$100m annual export boost expected from new float glass facility – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana stands to earn nearly $100 million annually in export revenue from the new float glass manufacturing facility under construction in Shama in the Western Region.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the project and the inauguration of the fifth phase of Keda Ghana Ceramics’ tile production line, President Mahama described the investment as a major step toward strengthening Ghana’s industrial base and export capacity.

“At full capacity, when we are producing 1,400 tons a day, the export earnings alone are projected to be almost $100 million annually,” he stated.

The President explained that the factory will operate in two phases — with phase one expected to produce 600 tons per day and phase two adding 800 tons daily — bringing total output to 1,400 tons per day when fully completed.

“If you have your calculator, 1,400 tons a day times 365 days a year, you will get the production that is going to come out of this factory,” he said, adding that the facility would become “one of the largest float glass facilities in Africa.”

According to President Mahama, the project will significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported glass products while boosting foreign exchange earnings.

“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 noted.

“It will reduce our imports of glass, save us foreign exchange, strengthen supply chain reliability, and position Ghana as a major regional exporter of glass,” he added.

The President stressed that industrial production and exports are critical to sustaining economic growth and strengthening the local currency.

“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 emphasized.

Beyond export revenue, President Mahama highlighted the job creation potential of the project, indicating that over 2,000 direct jobs will be created, alongside thousands of indirect employment opportunities across logistics, raw material supply, and maintenance services.

“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 said.

He further indicated that the investment aligns with Ghana’s broader industrialization strategy and export drive under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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

President Mahama commended Keda Ghana Ceramics for expanding its operations and investing in advanced manufacturing technology, noting that the facility would consume over 700 tons of raw materials daily and incorporate modern quality control systems.

“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 declared.

The float glass facility is expected to export to African markets, Europe, and other destinations once fully operational, reinforcing Ghana’s ambition to become a leading manufacturing hub in the sub-region.