President John Dramani Mahama has commended Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare for her efforts to address challenges confronting Ghana's manufacturing and industrial sectors. He made the remarks during a visit to the Kasapreko Plc manufacturing facility in Accra, where he praised the company's expansion and contribution to job creation and industrial development. The President noted that the Minister's close engagement with industry players had helped the government better understand and respond to operational challenges affecting businesses.
President Mahama highlighted the decision to redesignate the Ministry of Trade as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, which aimed to broaden its mandate and give the industrial sector a stronger voice within government. He stated that previously, trade was virtually the only engagement the Ministry was involved in, but now industries have a voice in their Ministry, with a hardworking and energetic Minister to address their concerns. The President cited the Minister's interventions in addressing challenges affecting manufacturers, including water supply, land acquisition, and other constraints to industrial expansion.
The President's remarks come as the government continues to emphasize stronger collaboration with the private sector as part of efforts to drive industrialization and economic transformation. President Mahama has previously stated that his administration is targeting an increase in manufacturing's contribution to GDP to at least 15 percent by 2030, supported by new industrial jobs. The government's focus on industrialization is expected to boost economic growth and create jobs for Ghanaians.
Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare expressed gratitude to President Mahama for his commitment and personal support towards the growth and transformation of Ghana's industrial sector. She described the President as the "Commander-in-Chief of Industry," acknowledging his efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to expand production, attract investment, and create jobs. The Minister noted that the President's support has enabled the Ministry to address challenges affecting manufacturers and promote industrial growth.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kasapreko Plc, Richard Adjei, also commended the Minister for her interventions in addressing challenges relating to water supply, power, cross-border trade, and other operational difficulties confronting manufacturers. He cited her role in facilitating an extension of the period for exporters to repatriate export proceeds from 60 to 90 days, describing the measure as important support for businesses seeking to expand their export operations. Kasapreko's growth has been highlighted as an example of the potential of Ghanaian-owned businesses to expand and access long-term capital.
Kasapreko Plc recently raised GH¢1.72 billion through its Initial Public Offering earlier in 2026 and subsequently listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The company's growth and expansion have been facilitated by the government's efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses to access capital and promote industrial growth. The President's visit to Kasapreko Plc highlights the government's focus on promoting industrialization and supporting businesses to drive economic growth.
The government's efforts to promote industrialization and support businesses have been acknowledged by stakeholders, including the Trade Minister and industry players. The President's commendation of the Trade Minister reflects the government's commitment to driving industrial growth and transforming the economy. Key initiatives, such as the redesignation of the Ministry of Trade, are expected to continue promoting industrial growth and supporting businesses to drive economic development.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama commends Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare for championing Ghana's industrial growth.
- The government aims to increase manufacturing's contribution to GDP to at least 15 percent by 2030.
- Kasapreko Plc's growth highlights the potential of Ghanaian-owned businesses to expand and access long-term capital.
