Gov’t Hosts High-Level Agribusiness Forum to Boost Industrial Development

The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry is taking decisive steps to reposition Ghana’s industrial sector through the implementation of a National Agribusiness Policy, crackdown on inferior cement producers and support for key agro-processing factories under the Feed the industry initiative and ENABLE Youth programmes.

Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, 8th July, 2025, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced that a *High-Level Agribusiness Forum* will be held on July 24, 2025, with President John Mahama expected in attendance. The forum is part of efforts to finalize a comprehensive National Agribusiness Policy, which will facilitate value addition, improve market access and promote export-led growth.

According to the Minister, the Policy’s strategic focus is on developing local sources of high-quality raw materials to sustain agro-industrial production and reduce reliance on imports. As part of its implementation, agro-industrial zones are set to be established in Tamale, Salaga, and Kintampo North, with the Builsa Agro-Industrial Park earmarked under the Big Push Programme. A 60,000-acre land in Yeji has already been designated for large-scale contract farming to feed the industry.

On the quality of cement products on the market, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare disclosed that the Ministry, through the Ghana Standards Authority, has intensified unannounced inspections and sampling exercises. In April 2025, 82 cement samples were collected from factories and markets across the country for testing. Further surveillance between May 6 and 15 employed advanced techniques such as x-ray fluorescence to verify cement composition. She added that any substandard cement production will be shut down. The Ministry has also deployed over 300 new Trading Standards Inspectors to enhance field enforcement and protect consumers.

Parliament was also updated on progress toward operationalizing agro-processing factories across the country. Hon. Ofosu-Adjare revealed that the Mpraeso ENABLE Youth Banana Chips Factory, completed in 2023, has attracted three private sector proposals after several rounds of advertisement. These are currently under review, with plans underway to ensure a sustainable raw material supply through the Feed the Industry Programme.

In Walewale, the Watermelon Factory under the 1D1F initiative is nearing completion. Operated by Champion Foods and Beverages Limited, the facility has earlier received GHS 50 million support from the Ghana EXIM Bank. With addiitionl GH 38million to fix an extra factory to supplement it for the Juice production. The company, he indicated is currently in China to finalize procurement of key equipment, and, following advice from the Ministry, is considering local juice production in Walewale to reduce costs and align with the 24-Hour plus Economy framework.

Addressing concerns about the cancellation of the 1D1F policy, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare assured Parliament that the new administration remains committed to private sector-led industrialization. Incentive packages are being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, and details will be shared in due course.

The Minister also outlined key measures aimed at boosting private sector competitiveness. These include the Business Regulatory Reform Programme, the Made-in-Ghana and Export Ghana Policies, and targeted support for MSMEs in key value chains such as grains, oil seeds, tubers, and meat. Additionally, Special Economic Zones are being developed to attract investment and drive Ghana’s industrial transformation.

In response to a question on gender empowerment, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted that a Women in Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Policy is being developed to support women engaged in the cross-border trade. The Ministry, through the Ghana Enterprises Agency, is providing tailored training, mentorship, and financial support. Sensitization of border officials and female traders is also underway to enhance access to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The initiatives outlined by the Minister underscore the government’s renewed focus on building a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive industrial sector that delivers jobs, boosts exports and transforms livelihoods.