Vice President Backs Trade and Industrial Expansion

Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated the government’s dedication to bolstering Ghana’s trade, agribusiness, and industrial sectors, pledging unwavering support to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry in its pursuit of national development goals.

The assurance came during a working visit to the Ministry on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Professor Opoku-Agyemang was warmly received by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, along with the Ministry’s management, staff, and heads of various agencies.

The visit, according to the Vice President, is part of a series of engagements with key ministries. These interactions aim to provide a deeper understanding of their operations, challenges, and support requirements, with a particular focus on ministries headed by women, in line with the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.

“I came to see the work you are doing and how we can better support you. We are here to encourage you, appreciate you and assure you that we are committed to helping you do even more for the country,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated.

She lauded the Ministry’s emphasis on boosting local production, adding value to goods, and empowering women and the youth. Professor Opoku-Agyemang also stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among agencies to expedite national progress.

The Vice President specifically praised initiatives focused on securing local raw materials, including the revitalization of the sugar industry and the promotion of rubber farming for tyre production. She noted that these programs have the potential to generate employment opportunities throughout the entire value chain, and underscored the importance of prioritizing Made-in-Ghana products for economic stability.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang pledged to engage with the Minister of Finance to expedite the approval of incentives and policies designed to attract investment and foster industrial expansion.

Earlier, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare presented an overview of the Ministry’s accomplishments and future plans. She highlighted reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, expanding agribusiness through commercial farming, and promoting value-added manufacturing.

Ms. Ofosu-Adjare announced significant progress in the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory, which is anticipated to resume operations in 2026. Additionally, she revealed plans for new garment and agro-processing factories, projected to create thousands of jobs.

“Your visit tells us that our work matters and that we are being supported at the highest level,” Ms. Ofosu-Adjare said, expressing her gratitude for the Vice President’s visit and describing it as “deeply motivating.”

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