Naana Jane pledges support for Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry

The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s trade, agribusiness and industrial sector, pledging continuous support to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to help it deliver on its mandate.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang made the remarks during a working visit to the Ministry on Thursday, December 18, 2025, where she was received by the Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, along with Directors, staff and agency heads. She said the visit forms part of broader engagements with key Ministries to understand their work, challenges and support needs, particularly those headed by women, to promote inclusive governance and efficiency.

The Vice President commended the Ministry for its focus on local production, value addition, women and youth empowerment, and efforts to position Ghana to fully utilise its natural resources and industrial potential. She highlighted initiatives to secure raw materials locally, including rubber for tyre manufacturing and the revival of the sugar value chain, noting the job creation impact across farming, processing, packaging and distribution.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also welcomed the Ministry’s emphasis on Made-in-Ghana goods, women-led enterprises and youth employment, and pledged to prompt the Minister of Finance to expedite approval of incentives and policies to attract investment and accelerate industrial growth.

In response, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare presented the Ministry’s achievements in 2025 and plans for 2026, including reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, revitalise manufacturing, expand agribusiness through commercial contract farming, and attract investment into value-added production. She noted challenges with raw material supply and outlined measures such as land acquisition, backward integration and support for agro-processing.

The Minister highlighted milestones including the extension of export proceeds repatriation from 60 to 120 days, increased participation in the AfCFTA, expanded international market access, and drafting of key policies on manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive components and special economic zones. She also confirmed plans to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory and establish new garment and agro-processing plants to create thousands of jobs for women and youth.

The visit concluded with renewed commitment from Ministry leadership and staff to deepen reforms, strengthen local industry and drive Ghana’s economic transformation.