The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, has called on private sector operators in garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, agro-processing, and other sectors to deepen their presence and partnerships in Ghana.
She made the call on Tuesday at KEDA Ghana Ceramics Company Limited in Shama, Western Region, during the sod-cutting for a $250 million float glass manufacturing facility.
She stated that President Mahama has made it abundantly clear that Ghana has been open for business and welcomes investors committed to industrial development.
“President John Dramani Mahama has made it abundantly clear. Ghana is open for business. We warmly invite more private sector operators in garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals, digital infrastructure, agro-processing, and beyond to deepen your presence and partnership in the country,” she stated.
She explained that the government would build an industrial Ghana that works for its people, its partners, and generations to come.
She noted that President Mahama’s presence at the KEDA commissioning, just a day after convening a dialogue with the private sector at the Kempinski Hotel, demonstrates the government’s commitment to deepening engagement with industry and commerce as a cornerstone of the industrial transformation agenda.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare disclosed that the government would continue to push for an investment climate anchored by incentives like the 24-hour economy to assist productive investors.
She assured potential investors that the conducive business environment the government has built over a short period offers a strong foundation for smooth operations and strong returns on investment.
The Minister revealed that Ghana and China are in advanced stages of concluding an early harvest agreement, a targeted strategic instrument designed to liberalise priority sectors of mutual benefit.
She explained that the agreement, jointly led by the Ministries of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry and Finance, would deliver preferential market access to Ghanaian value-added exports, including processed cocoa, refined oil, textiles, garments, and agri-processing goods, into one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets.
“In return, strategic Chinese inputs and technologies essential for our industrialisation agenda will flow more freely into Ghana’s producer sector,” Ms Ofosu-Agyare said.
She disclosed that to date, only South Africa and Kenya on the African continent have concluded such an agreement, and Ghana was poised to join that group.
The Minister described the agreement not merely as a trade deal but as a transformative compact that signals to the world that the country is open, ready, and fully capable of anchoring sophisticated South-South economic partnerships that deliver real value on both sides.
She announced that the signing of the agreement in the coming weeks would mark one of the most significant milestones in Ghana-China commercial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare expressed gratitude to the management, board, and staff of KEDA for their investment in Ghana’s industrial development, describing it as both bold and visionary.
“You have demonstrated that Ghana can stand shoulder to shoulder with glass manufacturers anywhere in the world. Your confidence in Ghana’s business environment is deeply appreciated,” the Minister said.
She recounted her mission to represent President Mahama at the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, where she was given clear instructions to attract investments into the manufacturing sector.
The Minister disclosed that the trip, which her officials affectionately called “China Aquinto Part One,” covered a total distance of 4,281 kilometres across several Chinese cities and has yielded substantial returns for Ghana.
She revealed that among the fruits of that mission are the expansion of Sunda operations, Shacman Automotive’s decision to partner with Sunda, and a series of strategic engagements that led to KEDA choosing Ghana over other West African countries for the glass factory.
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare recalled that during the visit to KEDA headquarters in Foshan, they were caught in a heavy downpour, noting that both Chinese and Ghanaian tradition holds that rainfall at such moments is a sign of good fortune.
“Today, I believe that omen has proven true,” she said.
She extended heartfelt thanks to the traditional authorities of Shama District and the workers of KEDA for their cooperation and support, noting that the success of the company is a success for all Ghanaians.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
