President Mahama cuts sod, inaugurates ‘Keda’ Ghana ceramics expansion project

President John Dramani Mahama has performed a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of a new float glass manufacturing project while also inaugurating the fifth phase of Keda Ghana Ceramics’ tile production line, describing the investments as key to Ghana’s industrial transformation and export-led growth.

Speaking at the event in Shama in the Western Region, President Mahama said the projects are part of government’s broader economic reset and industrialisation agenda aimed at strengthening production capacity, creating jobs, and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

“Just over a year ago, our nation stood at a crossroads. Our manufacturing base was under strain. Foreign investment had dwindled to just a trickle. Investor confidence had weakened,” the President said.

He expressed confidence that Ghana’s economic outlook has improved due to deliberate policy interventions.

“Through our reset agenda, we have restored macroeconomic stability, revived investor confidence, and repositioned Ghana as a serious destination for productive investment,” he stated.

The President also highlighted the economic importance of the new industrial facilities, noting their potential to reduce imports and strengthen local production capacity.

“In 2024 alone, Ghana imported over 65,000 tons of glass products valued at almost $25 million to meet the demand of our construction industry, automobile, and manufacturing sectors. This factory is going to change that equation,” he said.

He explained that the new float glass facility will operate in two phases, with phase one producing 600 tons of glass daily and phase two adding 800 tons, bringing total production capacity to 1,400 tons per day when completed.

“When completed, this will be one of the largest float glass facilities in Africa, and we are going to export glass from here to other African countries and also to Europe and other destinations,” he said.

President Mahama further emphasized that industrial production is key to strengthening Ghana’s currency and economy.

“This is how to build a strong economy. This is how to build a strong currency. Production underpins the value of a currency, not by speculation, but by production and exports,” he stressed.

On employment, the President said the investment will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Ghanaians, particularly the youth.

“This project will generate approximately 2,182 direct jobs — 729 during construction and 1,453 permanent operational jobs — in addition to thousands of indirect jobs,” he disclosed.

He also praised Keda Ghana Ceramics for supporting local skills development and technology transfer.

“As they train more Ghanaians, our people will gradually assume leadership roles in the industry. This is how we move from labour participation to labour ownership,” he said.

The President linked the project to Ghana’s trade ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that trade agreements alone cannot guarantee prosperity without production.

“Trade agreements alone do not create prosperity. Production does. Value addition does. Competitive exports create prosperity,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the industrial expansion will increase export earnings, improve fiscal space for development, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a manufacturing hub in West Africa.

“As I stand here today, I see a reduction in our import bill. I see an increase in our exports. I see a stronger cedi. I see high-value jobs for our youth, and I see Ghana emerging as a giant of West African manufacturing,” he concluded.