The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a competitive, export-driven and fully functional 24-hour industrial economy, describing it as a national imperative for Ghana’s economic transformation.
The speech was delivered on her behalf by Mr. Kofi Addo, Director for Industries at the Ministry, at the 65th Annual General Meeting (AGI) held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Thursday, 27th November, 2025.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare praised the AGI for “65 years of resilience, advocacy and unwavering leadership in Ghana’s industrial journey,” noting that the Association remains government’s strongest partner in promoting local manufacturing and creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
She underscored that the theme for this year’s AGM, “Creating a Conducive Business Environment for Industrial Competitiveness: 24-Hour Economy in Perspective,” aligns perfectly with government’s agenda to expand production, deepen exports and create decent jobs at scale.
The Minister explained that the 24-Hour Economy policy is not merely about extending operational hours but about fully utilising Ghana’s national assets human capital, energy, ports, and industrial infrastructure across three shifts.
“Turning Ghana from a traditionally eight-hour system into a high-productivity 24-hour industrial economy is essential as we champion accelerated export development through the AfCFTA,” she said.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare also highlighted government’s strategic programmes including Made-in-Ghana, Rapid Industrialization for Jobs, Feed the Industry, and Agro-processing for Economic Expansion, which aim to boost local production and secure reliable raw material supply for manufacturers.
She reiterated Cabinet’s recent directives restricting the export of non-ferrous scrap metals and natural raw rubber, describing them as critical steps to strengthen domestic value chains and increase factory utilisation rates.
The Minister emphasized that the success of Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, including the 24-hour economic model depends heavily on private sector participation.
“Government cannot run a 24-hour economy alone. Your ideas, investments, and willingness to pilot new operating models are indispensable,” she told AGI members.
She further commended the GRA Commissioner-General and the Minister for Finance for ongoing reforms that are simplifying tax compliance, supporting local industry, and creating fiscal space for business incentives.
The Hon. Minister disclosed that the Business Regulatory Reform Bill is in its final stages, a major step toward streamlining regulations and improving the cost of doing business in Ghana.
“Let us rise to the moment, be bold in our vision, and work together to build a prosperous Ghana one that works for everyone, every hour of the day,” she urged.
The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Dr. Humphrey Kwasi Ayim-Darke highlighted the Association’s journey of “advocacy, resilience and partnership-building” over the past years, underscoring the progress made through constructive engagement with government.
He noted that recent policy reforms, including the abolition of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, VAT waivers on locally manufactured inputs, and targeted tax reliefs for industry, demonstrate the impact of consistent dialogue between AGI and government.
“These reforms are not mere policy announcements; they are significant steps that strengthen local manufacturing and improve competitiveness,” he said.
The AGI President also welcomed the government’s restrictions on non-ferrous scrap metal and raw rubber exports, explaining that they will protect local processors and ensure a stable raw material base for industry.
He, however, urged continued collaboration to address persistent challenges such as energy costs, regulatory bottlenecks, and access to land, all of which remain critical to industrial growth.
In his remarks, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong commended AGI for reaching its 65th milestone and for its longstanding contribution to national development.
He encouraged the Association to continue supporting and guiding businesses while helping to build an environment that aligns with the President’s vision of “building the Ghana we want.”
The 65th AGM gathered captains of industry, diplomats, policymakers and development partners, who are exploring measures to strengthen industrial competitiveness and drive Ghana’s economic transformation.
The event also saw Dr. Kofi Esiah Poku owner of kinaPharma company Ltd Elected as the new AGI President to lead the Association for the next 4years.
