The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called for a stronger partnership with the private sector to realize the government’s vision of a competitive, export-driven, and fully functional 24-hour industrial economy. The Minister, whose address was delivered by Mr. Kofi Addo, Director for Industries, at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI)’s 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Accra on Thursday, November 27, 2025, described the 24-hour model as a “national imperative for Ghana’s economic transformation.”
Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare lauded the AGI for its “65 years of resilience and unwavering leadership,” confirming the Association as the government’s strongest partner in promoting local manufacturing. She explained that the 24-Hour Economy policy is not merely an extension of operational hours, but a strategic measure to fully utilize Ghana’s national assets—including human capital, energy, and infrastructure—across three operational shifts to champion accelerated export development, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She stressed that the success of the model “depends heavily on private sector participation,” stating, “Government cannot run a 24-hour economy alone.”
The Minister highlighted several government policies designed to bolster the manufacturing sector, including Made-in-Ghana, Rapid Industrialization for Jobs, and recent Cabinet directives restricting the export of non-ferrous scrap metals and natural raw rubber. She confirmed that the Business Regulatory Reform Bill is in its final stages, which will significantly streamline regulations and reduce the cost of doing business. The outgoing AGI President, Dr. Humphrey Kwasi Ayim-Darke, acknowledged the impact of recent policy reforms, such as the abolition of the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, but urged continued collaboration to tackle persistent challenges like energy costs and regulatory bottlenecks.
The AGM, which brought together industry captains and policymakers, also oversaw the election of a new leader. Dr. Kofi Esiah Poku, the owner of KinaPharma Company Ltd., was elected as the new President of the Association of Ghana Industries and will lead the Association for the next four years.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
