President Mahama Directs Trade Ministry to Intensify Targeted Investment Outreach
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry to intensify targeted investment outreach in selected markets to attract businesses to the Afienya Industrial Park and expand Ghana’s manufacturing and export capacity.
The directive was given at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the industrial park at Afienya where the President called for a coordinated effort involving the Ministry, the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) and private investors to attract businesses capable of establishing viable enterprises.
“I further direct the Minister to lead a targeted investment outreach program in target markets in collaboration with the Ghana Free Zones Authority and the private sector,” President Mahama stated.
He explained that the outreach must focus on identifying investment opportunities and connecting them with investors who have the capacity to establish and operate businesses, rather than merely expressing interest in the industrial park.
The President stressed that the success of the initiative would be measured by the number of enterprises that become operational, the jobs created for Ghanaians and the ability of locally manufactured products to reach markets across Africa.
The Afienya Industrial Park covers approximately 1,238 acres and is expected to accommodate more than 120 enterprises. It will serve as an extension of the Ghana Free Zones Authority’s Tema enclave, which has reached full occupancy, creating the need for additional industrial space.
The park is expected to provide serviced land, factory shells and essential infrastructure to help businesses establish production facilities. Its targeted investment areas include agro-processing, textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive components and assembly, and light engineering.
President Mahama said the government wanted Ghana to use its strategic position in the African Continental Free Trade Area to produce goods competitively for the continental market. He urged investors to establish businesses in the country and use it as a base for reaching customers across Africa and beyond.
The targeted investment drive is expected to support the government’s broader industrialisation agenda by attracting private capital, expanding domestic production, creating employment and increasing export earnings.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
