Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reiterated government’s resolve to strengthen domestic manufacturing through measures such as the ban on exporting non-ferrous metals.
She noted that the Cabinet-approved policy introduced last year was intended to correct a long-standing imbalance where raw materials are exported while local factories struggle with limited input supplies and underutilised capacity.
“We will continue to bring policies that feed our industry.
This will also encourage more people to site their industries here because access to raw material is always key.
Wherever you find raw material is a good place to put your industry, and so this is what the government has done.
So, we’ll continue to listen to the industry and see what we can do after we have implemented the policies.
Some of the teasing issues will be discussed, and then we’ll find a lasting solution to them,” she stated.
Working visit
Her comments were made during a visit to MND Metals Company Limited, a metal processing facility located in the Tema Free Zones Enclave, on Thursday evening.
The tour formed part of ongoing efforts by the ministry to engage industry operators directly, assess operational concerns, and resolve implementation challenges through structured consultations and dialogue.
Supporting local industry growth
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the plant, the minister explained that retaining raw materials locally would strengthen industrial supply chains, stimulate production, and attract additional investment into the manufacturing sector.
She emphasised that access to inputs remains a major factor in determining where industries are established, adding that the policy is designed to make Ghana more competitive for industrial investment.
She also pointed to job creation benefits, especially for women, noting the significant number of female employees working at the facility.
While acknowledging that policy implementation can come with challenges, she assured industry stakeholders that government remains open to feedback and continuous improvement.
“So I’m here, I’ll see more, gather all the issues and then we will sit at a round table and resolve them.
A listening government is a good government, and it’s always good for industry,” she added.
Industry response
Chief Executive Officer of MND Metals Company Limited, Nidal Nasseredine, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the policy direction, saying the export ban has helped the company secure more raw materials for expansion.
He noted that the firm has been able to increase production capacity as a result, while still sourcing materials from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions alongside local supply.
“Thanks to the government for implementing the ban. It has allowed us to expand our operations, grow our business, and access more raw materials.
Everything is now progressing well.
Like many developed countries, we can process and manufacture various metals, including copper, aluminium, zinc, and stainless steel.
We are grateful to the government for these measures,” he said.