President Mahama Targets African Markets for Ghanaian Manufacturers Under AFCFTA
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to support Ghanaian manufacturers to access wider African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as the government seeks to expand exports and strengthen the country’s position as a manufacturing hub.
He made this known during a tour of factories at the Bright International Industrial Zone in Afienya, where he visited enterprises involved in garment production, battery manufacturing, solar energy and truck assembly.
President Mahama said the government would work with manufacturers to obtain the necessary licences to enable them to sell their products beyond Ghana to markets across West Africa and the African continent.
“Right now, most of you are producing for the Ghanaian market. The textile factories are exporting 100 percent, but we are going to help you so that you are able to be licensed under the African Continental Free Trade Area, so that you will not be producing only for Ghana, but will be producing for the whole of West Africa and, indeed, the whole of the African continent,” he stated.
The President said Ghana had the potential to serve as a production and distribution hub for businesses seeking to reach consumers across Africa, adding that the government was committed to creating an environment that would support entrepreneurs and industrial expansion.
During the tour, he visited Huaguang Battery (GHANA), Qianfeng International Corporation Limited, which produces sports vests and caps, Jiudine Ghana Corporation, which manufactures T-shirts and sweaters, Zema New Energy, which produces solar panels and batteries, and Funsheen Truck Assembly Plant.
The range of manufacturing activities, he said, reflected the opportunities available to expand local production, create jobs and supply goods to markets beyond Ghana.
President Mahama noted that the textile and garment factories were already exporting their entire output, demonstrating the potential of Ghanaian industries to compete in international markets.
He congratulated the entrepreneurs for their investments and assured them of the government’s commitment to building an environment in which Ghana could become a hub for industrial production.
The government’s approach is expected to link the expansion of industrial facilities with improved access to regional markets, enabling manufacturers to increase production, attract further investment and create employment for young people.
The AfCFTA provides a framework for expanding trade among African countries by reducing barriers to the movement of goods and services. The government’s stated objective is to enable Ghanaian businesses to take greater advantage of the continental market.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
