The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening local processing and industrial growth, urging Ghanaian businesses to embrace value addition and strategic partnerships to accelerate national economic transformation.
She made the call while delivering the keynote address at the inauguration of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association in Accra, describing the formation of the Association as a timely and strategic step toward amplifying the voice of indigenous businesses and positioning them to take full advantage of emerging economic opportunities.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s long-term prosperity depends on shifting from the export of raw materials to the processing and manufacturing of finished goods locally. She stressed that value addition remains critical to job creation, wealth retention and enhanced competitiveness within both domestic and international markets.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare underscored the importance of unity within the business community, noting that strong associations serve as effective platforms for policy engagement, knowledge sharing and market expansion. She encouraged members of the newly launched Association to work collaboratively, build resilient enterprises and advocate constructively for reforms that improve the business environment.
The Minister highlighted key government flagship initiatives designed to stimulate production and industrial expansion, including the 24-Hour Economy policy and the Feed-the-Industry programme. She explained that the 24-Hour Economy initiative seeks to maximise productivity by encouraging round-the-clock operations in viable sectors, while Feed-the-Industry aims to strengthen linkages between agriculture and manufacturing by ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials for agro-processing industries.
She further emphasised that these interventions are aligned with Ghana’s strategic participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, which presents unprecedented opportunities for Ghanaian businesses to access a market of over one billion people across the continent. However, she cautioned that to compete effectively under AfCFTA, businesses must prioritise quality standards, innovation and scale.
“AfCFTA offers enormous potential, but we must be deliberate in building competitive local industries capable of meeting continental demand,” she stated, adding that government remains committed to creating an enabling environment through supportive policies and stakeholder engagement.
The inauguration ceremony brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders and stakeholders from the Kwahu business community, who expressed optimism that the Association would serve as a strong advocacy platform to address common challenges, promote investment and foster sustainable growth.
The launch of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association marks a significant step toward strengthening private sector collaboration and reinforcing the collective drive toward industrialisation and economic resilience in Ghana.
