Gov’t Targets Garment Factories, Agro-Processing Expansion and 24-Hour Business Reforms in 2026 – Trade Minister
Government has outlined an ambitious 2026 outlook for trade, agribusiness and industry, with a strong focus on job creation, value addition, export growth and private sector expansion under the 24-Hour Economy policy.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said 2026 will be a “decisive year” for industrial transformation and inclusive economic growth.
“I can say for a fact that 2026 looks even better for trade, agribusiness and industry. Government is deliberately positioning the private sector to lead job creation, industrial expansion and export growth,” she stated.
27,000 Jobs Through Garment Factories
A major highlight of the 2026 outlook is government’s plan to support the establishment of three large-scale garment factories, expected to employ about 27,000 people in the long term.
According to the Minister, the garment industry offers quick employment opportunities, especially for the youth.
“The garment industry is one of the fastest job-creating sectors. You don’t need five months of training. In four weeks, you can already be working. Whether you have a certificate or not, you can earn a decent living,” she explained.
Full Operation of Agro-Processing Plants
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare announced that government will fully operationalize agro-processing facilities across several regions, targeting key value chains such as yam, rice, fish, poultry, cashew, shea butter and palm kernel oil.
“Ghana can no longer remain a net exporter of raw materials. In 2026, we are scaling up value addition to stabilize the cedi, create jobs and reduce imports,” she said.
She also disclosed that the Ghana EXIM Bank will support the establishment of two cashew processing factories in cashew-producing regions to reduce transportation costs and improve efficiency.
Commercial Contract Farming to Secure Raw Materials
To address persistent raw material shortages faced by industries, the Minister said government will intensify commercial contract farming arrangements between farmers and processors.
“Industry should not be competing with chop bar operators for raw materials. Contract commercial farming ensures steady supply and protects industries from seasonal shortages,” she noted.
24-Hour Business Registration and Digital Helplines
As part of the 24-Hour Economy rollout, the Ministry plans to establish 24/7 business registration centres and digital helplines in 2026.
“If we are running a 24-hour economy, then government services must also be available 24 hours. Entrepreneurs must be able to register businesses and get support at any time,” Hon. Ofosu-Adjare said.
Boosting Exports Under AfCFTA
The Minister reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging its position as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to boost exports.
“We keep telling investors: don’t look at Ghana’s 33 million people. Look at the 1.5 billion-person African market. From Ghana, you can export duty-free and quota-free,” she emphasized.
She added that government is strengthening standardization, packaging and export readiness, working closely with the Ghana Standards Authority to harmonize standards with trading partners.
New Trade and Consumer Protection Reforms
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare revealed that consumer protection, competition and business regulatory reform bills will be advanced in 2026 to strengthen market fairness and protect consumers.
“Our goal is to make Ghana the most business-friendly country in Africa while ensuring consumers are protected and competition is fair,” she said.
Optimism for 2026
The Minister expressed confidence that the policies lined up for 2026 will translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaians.
“2026 will be a busy year, but it will also be a successful year. The benefits of our trade, agribusiness and industrial policies will be felt by ordinary Ghanaians,” she concluded.
