In a move aimed at ending Ghana’s dependency on foreign metal, President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the Phase 2 expansion of the B5 Plus Limited Steel Ball Mill and Manufacturing facility.

Located in the Ningo Prampram District, the sprawling industrial site is being hailed as the new heartbeat of Ghana’s industrial transformation, expected to save the nation hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange.

The project is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it is a strategic anchor for the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, positioning the Lakpleku plant as a premier regional hub for the West African sub-region.

Forging a self-reliant Ghana

With Ghana’s annual steel appetite soaring beyond 1.2 million metric tons, the President noted that the country can no longer afford the luxury of importing what it can manufacture locally.

The B5 Plus expansion is projected to cut steel imports by a staggering 20–30% annually, a vital shift for a nation seeking to protect its reserves.

“Steel consumption is a strong indicator of industrial development,” President Mahama remarked, adding that the expansion reflects a shift from raw material exports to value-added production. “This is regional value chain integration in real practice.”

The President emphasised that locally manufactured steel will now power infrastructure projects across West Africa, reducing the reliance on long-haul imports from Asia and Europe.

B5 Plus: A West African industrial powerhouse

Founded in 2002, B5 Plus Limited has evolved from a small trading firm into the largest steel manufacturing enterprise in West Africa. The Phase 2 expansion further solidifies its dominance.

B5 Plus Limited is a certified ISO 9001:2015 QMS (Quality Management System) company dedicated to providing the best services and solutions.

B5 Plus Limited employs over 10,000 people directly and indirectly. In all the ECOWAS countries, B5’s services and products remain in demand due to their durability and quality, making it one of the dominant steel manufacturing companies in West Africa.

The company now produces a diverse range of products, including:

• TMT Bars and Iron Rods: Critical for the construction sector.
• Steel Balls: High-demand consumables for the mining and mineral processing industries.
• Structural Steel: Including beams, channels, and angles for large-scale engineering.

With the new mill, B5 Plus is expected to create between 5,000 and 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, offering a massive boost to vocational training and technical employment for Ghanaian engineers.

B5 Plus Limited CEO Mukesh V. Thakwani believes the vision to evolve into a fully integrated and technology-driven steel company that sets the standard for quality innovation and ethical business in Africa is on course.

"Through transparency, continuous improvement, and social responsibility, B5 Plus will stand as a symbol of strength—'Made in Africa, for Africa and Beyond—Setting Global Standards in Steel, Strength, and Sustainability.'"

The 24-Hour Economy in motion

President Mahama announced that B5 Plus is a pioneer participant in the 24-hour economy programme, allowing the energy-intensive plant to operate three shifts around the clock. This continuous production model is designed to reduce energy waste and lower unit costs for consumers.

“The allocation of GH¢110 million in the 2026 budget to operationalise the 24-hour initiative reflects our seriousness,” the President stated.

To support this industrial push, the administration has introduced several fiscal reforms:

Resolving the land bottleneck

Despite the celebration, the President acknowledged that further growth requires institutional support. He specifically urged local authorities to resolve "lingering land issues" that have previously hampered the company’s expansion plans.

As the ceremony concluded, the President reaffirmed his commitment to Africa's broader industrial goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“It is my honour to declare the second-phase expansion of the B5 Plus steel manufacturing facility duly commissioned to strengthen Ghana’s economy, deepen regional trade, and contribute to Africa’s industrial renaissance,” he concluded.