Founder of Union Government, Akwasi Addai Odike, has urged Ghanaian leaders to implement a national policy that adds value to the country's raw materials locally. He warned that failure to create sufficient economic opportunities could lead to young people leaving the country in search of better prospects. Akwasi Addai Odike made these comments on Ahotor FM's Yepe Ahunu programme on September 26, 2026, in Accra.
Akwasi Addai Odike stated that Ghana and other African countries must move away from exporting raw materials and importing finished products. He argued that Africa is rich in natural resources, but many countries on the continent lose significant economic value by exporting resources in their raw state instead of processing them locally. This approach, he believes, would create employment opportunities and enable Ghana to retain a greater share of the wealth generated from its natural resources.
The Founder of Union Government cited Ghana's petroleum resources as an example, questioning why the country exports crude oil and imports refined petroleum products. He suggested that Ghana could refine its crude oil locally into products such as diesel, petrol, and aviation fuel, reducing costs associated with transporting finished petroleum products. Akwasi Addai Odike also emphasized the need for deliberate policies to promote local processing and value addition for gold and other mineral resources.
Akwasi Addai Odike called for reforms in the education system to equip young people with technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial skills required to process Ghana's raw materials and build competitive local industries. He maintained that economic development should create opportunities for citizens within their own countries. When young people cannot find meaningful employment and economic opportunities at home, some may feel compelled to undertake dangerous journeys in search of better living conditions abroad.
Akwasi Addai Odike urged Ghanaian leaders to focus on building a productive economy capable of creating jobs, supporting businesses, and giving young people stronger reasons to remain in the country and build their future. He emphasized that Ghana has the natural resources and human potential needed to transform its economy, but achieving this objective requires consistent, long-term policies rather than short-term interventions.
The Founder of Union Government stressed that Ghana's natural resources should be treated as a foundation for industrial development, with value addition, education, technology, and local manufacturing forming part of a broader and sustained national development strategy. This approach, he believes, would enable Ghana to transform its economy and create a better future for its citizens.
Akwasi Addai Odike's comments come as a call to action for Ghanaian leaders to prioritize economic development and job creation. His suggestions aim to encourage the government to implement policies that promote local processing and value addition, ultimately reducing the country's reliance on exporting raw materials and importing finished products.
Key points
- Akwasi Addai Odike calls for a national policy to add value to Ghana's raw materials locally.
- Ghana should develop industries capable of transforming primary resources into finished products.
- Economic development should create opportunities for citizens within their own countries.
