The government will soon waive taxes on agro-processing machines, Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has announced.

He explained that the tax incentives are aimed at boosting investor confidence, improving access to modern agro-processing technology, and stimulating economic growth and development.

Mr Ahi made this known while speaking at the Bono Regional Agribusiness Dialogue organised by the Ministry of Trade and Industry with support from Agri Impact in Sunyani.

The one-day event, held under the theme “Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,” brought together stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain — including processors and entrepreneurs from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions.

The dialogue sought to gather ideas, share expertise, and build a comprehensive knowledge base to help the ministry develop a long-term plan for the country’s agribusiness sector.

It also identified regional agribusiness priority areas such as harnessing agricultural productivity for entrepreneurship, promoting commercial seed incubation businesses, and improving smallholder productivity and market access.

Mr Ahi stressed the need for Ghana to formulate and implement effective policies to make the agricultural sector inclusive for women, young people, and persons with disabilities, while creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retooling and strengthening the local manufacturing sector to drive job creation and reduce poverty.

Mr Ahi noted that with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Rural Enterprise Programme, the ministry has empowered the GRATIS Foundation to manufacture agro-processing equipment for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).

That support, he said, includes enhancing the foundation’s capacity to design, manufacture, and repair agro-processing machines — thereby reducing dependence on imported equipment and promoting local content.

“Empowering the GRATIS Foundation,” he added, “will enable the government to advance its agro-industrialisation drive and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development by creating more job opportunities and stimulating innovation for economic growth.”

The Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboah, commended the ministry for organising the dialogue, saying it would help harness the region’s agribusiness potential.

Describing the Bono Region as one of Ghana’s “agricultural powerhouses,” he noted that the cashew and poultry sectors held huge potential for growth. “Farmers require modern machines and processors to turn round these prospects for wealth creation,” he said.