The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to accelerating Ghana’s industrial transformation through the rapid development of Light Industrial Parks across the country.

Speaking at a high-level public-private dialogue on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Mr. Ahi described the initiative as a "strategic priority" and a key driver of the government's 24-hour Economy Programme and export-led growth agenda.

The dialogue, which brought together policy makers, industry leaders, development partners, and representatives of regulatory bodies, followed President John Dramani Mahama’s recent engagement with captains of industry at the Jubilee House.

It forms part of a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at shaping policies to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.

According to Mr. Ahi, the development of Light Industrial Parks is not merely about demarcating land for factories but establishing well-planned industrial zones equipped with reliable utility services, access roads, permitting infrastructure, and common user facilities.

These parks, he emphasised, are essential engines for job creation, SME growth, value addition, technology transfer, decongestion of urban areas, and enhanced competitiveness.

“Fast-tracking is not just a desire; it is an economic imperative,” he stressed. “We are gathered here with a shared vision to accelerate industrial growth, create jobs, and position Ghana as a competitive hub for manufacturing excellence.”

The Deputy Minister disclosed that a Draft Special Economic Zones and Industrial Park Policy and Bill is being finalised for submission to Cabinet and Parliament.

The proposed legislation is expected to provide key incentives to investors and expand the mandate of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, with a particular focus on the agro-processing, textiles and garments, pharmaceutical, and other light manufacturing sectors.

“These sectors have been prioritised to spearhead our industrial transformation initiatives,” Ahi said, adding that Ghana’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and growing commitment to industrialisation provide fertile ground for sustainable development.

He underscored the need for strong collaboration between public and private actors, noting that no single entity can drive the country’s industrial transformation alone.

“This dialogue offers a unique opportunity to forge a shared vision for sustainable industrial growth,” he said. “Success depends on collaboration, innovation, and a firm commitment to implementation.”

Hon. Ahi further reaffirmed government’s resolve to improve the ease of doing business by streamlining administrative procedures and mobilising strategic public investments to unlock private capital.

He concluded by urging participants to propose bold and actionable strategies to help shape the future of Ghana’s industrial landscape.

“Together, we can build a thriving manufacturing sector that drives economic growth, enhances job creation, and strengthens Ghana’s position in the global market,” he said.

Adding his voice to the dialogue through his welcome address, Dr. Ishmael Nii Dodoo, Head of Innovation, Partnership and Markets at the 24+ Economy Secretariat, emphasised government’s ambitious goals for industrial development and creation of jobs.

“Our ambition is clear: to create no less than 50,000 sustainable jobs within the next three years through these initiatives,” he noted.

“Jobs that will uplift communities, strengthen our manufacturing base, and contribute significantly to GDP.”

Dr. Dodoo echoed the Deputy Minister’s call for cooperation, stressing that the success of the 24-hour economy and industrial growth depends on collective action.

“Today’s dialogue is not just about discussing locations. It is about building consensus, forging partnerships, and committing to action. Ghana’s future industrial competitiveness depends on what we decide and do today.”

He further disclosed that the 24+ Economy Secretariat, working alongside institutions like the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), and local government authorities, is actively identifying and preparing strategic sites for garment parks and light industrial clusters.

“If we are to harness this momentum, we must ensure that within the next 6 to 9 months, Ghana is not only investment-ready, but investor-competitive,” Dr. Dodoo stated, urging stakeholders to move swiftly and strategically to anchor global interest.

The Public-Private Dialogue also saw presentations from Tim Armstrong, Senior Manager, Textile and Garment at Tony Blair Institute, and Emmanuel Forson, Head of Investment Service, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, on Trends in the garment industry and country readiness, Investment opportunities in the new Ghanaian Economy, respectively.

The event marks a significant step toward operationalising the 24-hour Economy Programme and positioning Ghana as a regional manufacturing powerhouse.