President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s export sector, pledging increased support to enable local exporters scale up operations and compete effectively in regional and global markets.

Speaking at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority’s (GEPA) 33rd and 34th Presidential National Awards for Export Achievements in Accra on Wednesday, December 17, President Mahama said the government has engaged the Ghana Exim Bank to explore ways of expanding access to capital and credit facilities for exporters.

He explained that the initiative is intended to help businesses take advantage of opportunities across Africa and beyond while improving their competitiveness.

“We have exported raw materials for far too long; it is time to add value to our products,” the President said, stressing that stronger support systems are essential to drive value addition and export-led growth.

He also encouraged women and young people to take advantage of opportunities within the export sector, assuring them of sustained efforts to create an enabling environment for business growth.

President Mahama noted that investments in infrastructure, regulatory reforms and institutional capacity building remain central to the government’s export development strategy, aimed at positioning Ghanaian products more competitively on the global market.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, commended Ghanaian exporters for their resilience despite global supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures.

She called for closer collaboration between the government and the private sector to fine-tune policies and address challenges confronting the industry.

At the ceremony, B5 Plus Ltd emerged as Exporter of the Year for 2023/2024. Other companies recognised for outstanding performance included Interplast Ltd, Usibras Ghana Ltd, Olam Food Ingredients Ghana, The Bank Hospital and World Shoe Ltd.

The Presidential National Awards for Export Achievements celebrate excellence in the export sector and underscore the critical role exporters play in economic growth and job creation.