My Goal Is an Economy Where Ghanaian Businesses Produce More, Export More and Employ More – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has said the overarching objective of his government is to build an economy in which Ghanaian businesses can produce more, export more, and employ more of the country’s young people.
Speaking during an inspection of Three Dreamers Manufacturing Company in Tema, as part of his industrial tour of the Tema Industrial Area, the President said the 24-hour economy policy and the government’s other industrial initiatives are all aimed at achieving this single goal.
“Our objective is to build an economy in which Ghanaian businesses can produce more, export more and employ more of our young people,” President Mahama said.
He explained that the 24-hour economy initiative is not only about establishing new factories but also about supporting existing factories to expand their operations, increase production, and employ more people.
“Already, existing factories are employing more people because of the opportunities being created through the 24-hour economy market,” he said.
The President noted that Three Dreamers Manufacturing, which produces tin tomatoes, light bulbs, and other household items, is a practical example of the policy translating into opportunities for Ghanaians.
“If this factory was not here today, many of the young people we see working here would probably be at home without jobs. This is why we must continue to support local manufacturing and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.
President Mahama said Ghana has the capacity to produce many of the things it consumes locally, adding that the country can also produce for export.
“Look at the tin tomatoes and light bulbs being produced here. These are products that we can manufacture locally and export to other African markets,” he said.
He identified the African Continental Free Trade Area as a huge opportunity for Ghana to expand production and access markets across the continent.
“When we produce locally and export to other African countries, we create jobs for our people, generate income for businesses and strengthen our economy,” the President said.
He expressed satisfaction at the enthusiasm of the young people working at the factory, saying, “I am particularly happy to see the enthusiasm among the young people working here. I admire how happy you are because you now have employment and an opportunity to earn a living.”
The President urged workers to support their employers so that businesses can grow and employ even more people.
“The success of a factory depends not only on the owners and management. The workers also have an important role to play through hard work, discipline and commitment,” he said. “When the business grows, the workers also benefit because the company will be in a position to create more opportunities and employ more people.”
President Mahama said the government will continue to pursue policies that strengthen the Ghanaian cedi and create a stable environment that enables manufacturers to import the machinery, equipment, and raw materials they need for production.
“We have seen inflation come down, and we are working to ensure that the stability of the economy is sustained. A stronger and more stable economy will provide businesses with greater confidence to invest, expand their operations and create jobs,” he said.
The President noted that the expansion witnessed at Nestlé Ghana earlier in the day, where a new evaporated milk production line was commissioned, and the operations at Three Dreamers, show that existing companies are responding to the opportunities in the economy by increasing their production capacity.
“Our responsibility as government is to continue creating the right environment for businesses to produce, expand and employ more people,” he said.
President Mahama thanked the management and workers of Three Dreamers Manufacturing for their contribution to Ghana’s industrial development and encouraged them to continue working hard and looking beyond Ghana to the opportunities available across the African market.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
