Ghana is seeking to deepen its industrialisation drive through expanded cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as the Government pushes priority programmes in agribusiness, manufacturing, and job creation.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, made the call when the Deputy Director General of UNIDO in charge of Global Partnerships and External Relations, Fatou Haidara, paid a courtesy visit to her in Accra on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. The engagement focused on strengthening collaboration to accelerate industrial development, expand trade, and promote sustainable growth.
At the meeting, the Minister urged UNIDO to scale up its engagement in Ghana, particularly in agribusiness, value addition, skills development, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She also called for a stronger UNIDO presence in the country to improve coordination and implementation of joint programmes.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the Feed the Industry Programme as a central pillar of Ghana’s industrial policy, aimed at strengthening domestic value chains, boosting productivity, and creating jobs through value addition. She appealed to UNIDO for support to fast-track the programme, alongside targeted interventions in the garments and textiles sub-sector to revive local manufacturing, expand exports, and reduce import dependence.
The Minister further disclosed that the Government has imposed a ban on the export of non-ferrous metals, a move intended to retain critical raw materials for domestic processing, stimulate industrial growth, and enhance job creation and wealth generation.
Looking ahead to 2026, she announced plans to establish three new factories through public-private partnerships in the Bono East, Central, and Eastern Regions. The facilities are expected to operate on a 24-hour basis and generate about 27,000 decent jobs, contributing to inclusive industrialisation and balanced regional development.
She also called on UNIDO to intensify support for SMEs, particularly in improving efficiency, competitiveness, and export readiness, noting that stronger SMEs are essential for Ghana’s participation in regional and global value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s support for UNIDO’s work and stressed the importance of collaboration with AfCFTA institutions to address technical trade barriers and harmonise standards.
In response, Ms. Haidara commended Ghana’s clear industrial vision and praised the design of the Feed the Industry Programme, describing it as well-positioned to build skills, strengthen value chains, and drive sustainable industrial growth.
“We are aligned with your vision and confident that the Feed the Industry Programme will yield the desired results. UNIDO will deliver on the Programme for Country Partnership,” she said.
