President John Mahama has commissioned a new Steel Ball Mill and Section Mill Manufacturing Plant built by B5 Plus Group, describing the facility as a major milestone in Ghana’s push for industrial transformation and a strong boost to the government’s 24-Hour Economy agenda.

The state-of-the-art plant is expected to significantly expand Ghana’s capacity to produce key steel products locally.

These include structural steel sections, grinding media balls for the mining industry, pre-engineered building (PEB) systems, as well as heavy industrial structures such as warehouses, tankers, trailers and factory systems.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Friday, February 20, President Mahama stressed the need for industrial self-reliance and reduced dependence on imports.

He noted that cutting steel imports by even a modest margin could lead to massive savings for the country.

“If we reduce steel imports by even 20 to 30 per cent annually, the foreign exchange savings alone could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars. This is what industrial sovereignty is about,” he said.

The President said the new facility would play a strategic role in strengthening Ghana’s domestic steel industry and supporting broader economic development.

He explained that steel production and consumption are closely linked to growth in infrastructure and industry.

“Steel consumption is a strong indicator of industrial development,” President Mahama said.

“Across emerging economies, per capita steel consumption rises in tandem with infrastructural development, urbanisation, and industrial expansion.”

He added that investments such as the B5 Plus plant are critical to building a resilient industrial base, creating jobs and positioning Ghana as a competitive manufacturing hub in the region.