The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has urged Ghanaian businesses to prioritise organisation, value addition and partnerships as drivers of economic growth.
She made the call at the inauguration of the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association on Wednesday, in Accra.
In her keynote address, she said structured collaboration within the private sector can help remove barriers to growth and expand employment, noting that companies grow faster when they share experiences and speak with one voice on issues that affect them.
She said associations offer the leadership and advocacy needed to influence reforms and reduce delays and costs for legitimate enterprises.
She affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to create conditions that allow businesses to expand, adding that public systems should support, not hinder, enterprise development.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said government is placing renewed emphasis on agribusiness. Ghana, she explained, must process more of its raw materials locally to increase earnings, generate employment and strengthen the economy.
She referred to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, recently assented to by government, as a framework that supports production, storage, logistics and essential services beyond traditional working hours hence the policy will especially benefit agro processing and trade.
The Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited access to affordable long-term financing and irregular raw material supply. She disclosed that the Ministry is rolling out a Feed the Industry programme to link farmers and processors and to build reliable supply chains.
She encouraged investors to consider opportunities in contract farming, agro processing, packaging, warehousing and distribution and assured businesses of support in securing standards certification, credible programmes and access to markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare called on the association to invest in mentorship and youth development through internships, apprenticeships and skills training, adding that nurturing young entrepreneurs is necessary for sustained industrial growth.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
