Cabinet has approved plans for new cashew processing factories as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry pursues an export-led industrial strategy.
The sector minister, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, who disclosed this, said that the government remains focused on reviving industry, expanding exports and strengthening Ghana’s position as a manufacturing centre in the sub-region.
She gave the update while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday.
She outlined steps being taken to restore operations at the Komenda Sugar Factory, which was commissioned in 2016 with a capacity to process 1,250 metric tonnes of sugarcane daily.
The factory has faced technical, financial and operational constraints that halted full production despite expectations of job creation and economic activity in the Central Region.
After taking office, the minister visited Komenda to meet traditional leaders, farmers and other stakeholders. The government later set up an Interim Management Committee to conduct technical and financial assessments and develop a recovery plan.
She said the ministry has prioritised engaging a transaction advisor to secure a strategic investor, with budgetary allocation in 2026 to support full operations.
“Parliament was also updated on the draft Ghana Automotive Component Manufacturing Development Policy, which forms part of the industrial transformation agenda. The policy aims to attract investment into vehicle component manufacturing, strengthen standards, build technical capacity and link local firms to regional and global value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” she added.
She noted the draft has been circulated among ministries for input, adding that discussions will be held with the finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, to align proposed incentives before submission to Cabinet.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the policy would support job creation, increase exports and support Ghana’s ambitions in automotive manufacturing within West Africa.
She highlighted ongoing interventions under the Accelerated Export Development Programme to boost domestic production and raise export volumes.
“These include the distribution of more than 211,000 coconut seedlings to farmers to widen export offerings and advisory support for 850 micro, small and medium enterprises to improve market access and competitiveness,” she said.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
