President Nana Akufo-Addo has commissioned the first phase of a three pre-fabrication steel manufacturing plant established by B5 Plus Group in Ningo-Prampram in the Greater Accra region, indicating strongly his government commitment to the industrialization agenda of the country.

The project, which is under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) will produce various forms of metal and metal related products for both local and international markets.

According to President Akufo-Addo, his government will continue to provide the needed support to companies in enterprises operating in Ghana.

“I want to reiterate the government's continued commitment to providing strategic support to companies operating in enterprises in Ghana. We will continue to enhance the existing incentive framework designed to make 1D1F designated companies more competitive and sustainable,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of B5 Plus Limited, Mukesh Thakwani has called on President Akufo-Addo to address a number of challenges which affect local production.

He appealed to the government to ban the importation of certain finished products which can be produced locally.

“We are grateful for your guidance and encouragement under the 1D1F but we will like to share the light on some challenges we are facing such as water and electricity supply, land litigation and access to roads. Most importantly we request the government to impose across board the ban on the importation of certain finished products, else it poses a major threat to our industry and it’ll affect our operations,” he stated.

On his part, Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen said the presence of B5 Plus will go a long way to reduce the over GH¢4.0 billion worth of steel and iron imported into Ghana annually.

The factory is said to be one of the largest state of-the-art steel manufacturing plants in Africa with production capacity of 25,000 metric tons per month and as well create about 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for the people of the community and its environs.