The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for a shift from raw material exports to value-added production.

She said Ghana’s new economy must create jobs, strengthen local industries and build businesses that can compete globally.

Speaking at the launch of the maiden Invest Ghana Summit and the 22nd Ghana Club 100 Awards on October 7, 2026, she said the government’s economic transformation agenda requires investment that expands the country’s productive capacity.

“Ghana’s new economy must be one that moves beyond the production and export of raw materials towards value addition, industrialisation, innovation, productivity and globally competitive enterprises,” she said.

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The minister said this ambition reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s economic transformation agenda, with private-sector investment central to its success.

She explained that the government’s investment drive goes beyond attracting capital. It seeks investments that create employment and increase the value Ghana derives from its natural resources.

“Our approach to investment promotion goes beyond attracting capital to Ghana. We are targeting the right investment, investment that creates jobs, transfers technology, develops local supply chains and raises productivity,” she stated.

The minister said the Invest Ghana Summit will showcase investment-ready projects across the country and connect investors with businesses, government agencies, banks and development partners.

She said her ministry would work closely with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to turn these opportunities into actual investments that increase production and help Ghanaian businesses compete internationally.

She added that the government cannot build the new economy alone and needs continued support and cooperation from businesses, local and foreign investors, banks and development partners.

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“The new Ghanaian economy we seek will not be built by government alone. It will be built through partnership, enterprises, investment, innovation and productivity,” she said.

She also urged Ghanaian enterprises to expand production and position their products and services to compete successfully in regional and global markets.

DR/MA

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