The Ghana Free Zones Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Ghana’s industrialisation agenda following its active participation in the commissioning of the Steel Ball Mill and Section Mill (SBMS) Manufacturing Plant of B5 Plus Limited at Larkpleku Village in Prampram.
The commissioning ceremony, performed by President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, February 20, 2026, marked a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to deepen value addition, reduce import dependency, and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity within the steel sector.
The event attracted a high-level gathering of government officials, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, and representatives from regulatory institutions, reflecting the national importance of the investment. The SBMS Plant forms part of B5 Plus Limited’s Phase II expansion and is expected to significantly boost steel production to meet both local and regional demand.
In her remarks at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mary Awusi, described the commissioning as a testament to the resilience and confidence of private sector investors in Ghana’s economic prospects. She noted that the Free Zones regime continues to provide a competitive platform for export-oriented manufacturing, job creation, and technology transfer.
Dr. Awusi emphasized that the Authority remains committed to creating an enabling environment for enterprises to thrive through policy support, regulatory efficiency, and strategic collaboration with key stakeholders. She added that investments such as the B5 Plus SBMS Plant align perfectly with government’s broader agenda of industrial transformation, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening local production and enhancing global competitiveness.
President Mahama, in his keynote address, underscored the critical role of a strong domestic steel industry in delivering the government’s infrastructure ambitions under the “Big Push” programme. He further highlighted the relevance of the 24-Hour Economy Programme in enhancing productivity within energy-intensive sectors, including steel manufacturing, and assured industry players of continued support to address infrastructure and energy challenges.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, also lauded the expansion, noting that it complements the government’s Feed the Industry Programme, which prioritizes the utilization of locally sourced raw materials such as scrap metals to drive sustainable industrial growth.
The newly commissioned facility is expected to create significant employment opportunities while contributing to increased exports and foreign exchange earnings. Industry analysts have described the investment as a strategic boost to Ghana’s ambition of becoming a leading manufacturing hub within the West African sub-region.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority reiterated that it will continue to work closely with investors and government partners to attract high-impact projects that expand the country’s manufacturing base, stimulate economic growth, and support long-term national development.
