The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has outlined ambitious programmes aimed at boosting exports, accelerating industrialisation, and strengthening local production as the Ministry begins sector-wide planning for the 2026–2029 period.

She made this known at the Ministry’s 2026 Sector-wide Planning Workshop held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Accra.

According to the Minister, the workshop marks a critical moment for aligning the Ministry’s priorities with its medium-term development objectives.

“I am pleased to join you at the Ministry’s first Annual Sector-Wide Planning Workshop,” she said, commending Heads of Agencies, Directors, and staff for their dedication.

She noted that the sector’s achievements in 2025 were a testament to the collective commitment of stakeholders across the trade, agribusiness, and industry sectors.

The Minister explained that the workshop was not only to develop the 2026 Annual Action Plan, but also to commence implementation of the Sector Medium-Term Development Plan (SMTDP) for 2026–2029.

“This platform should therefore serve to align the Action Plans of our Directorates and Agencies with the priorities and objectives of the medium-term plan,” she stated.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said trade, agribusiness, and industry together constitute a major pillar of the national economy, and achieving sector goals requires shared responsibility.

She added that the workshop was designed to enable agencies to jointly develop activities that are coherently aligned with sector priorities and contribute directly to achieving the Medium-Term Development Plan objectives.

Outlining key programmes for 2026, the Minister said the Ministry would pursue the Accelerated Export Development Programme to expand non-traditional exports.

She reiterated government’s overarching goal of generating US$10 billion in non-traditional export revenue by 2030, stressing the need for coordinated action among relevant agencies and directorates.

The Minister also announced plans to implement the Feed Industry Programme to boost local raw material production through contract farming.

She revealed that in 2026, the Ministry would enter into contract farming arrangements to supply Ekumfi Fruit and Juices Limited in the Central Region.

On industrialisation, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said government would roll out the Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Programme to promote value addition, revive state-owned enterprises, and create employment.

“In 2026, our target is to revive and operationalise the Komenda Sugar Factory, Pwalugu Tomato Factory, Volta Star Textiles Limited, Akosombo Textiles Limited, and the Wulugu Meat Factory,” she announced. She added that efforts would also focus on developing the textile and garment, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries.

The Minister further highlighted the Made-in-Ghana Programme, which aims to promote locally manufactured goods.

According to her, activities under the programme would focus on increasing certification of local products, enhancing quality and competitiveness, reducing the importation of selected products, increasing consumer awareness, and investing in the development of competitive national brands.

Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare emphasised gender inclusion, describing the Women in Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Programme as a key priority.

The programme seeks to promote gender equity and economic empowerment by ensuring the full integration of women into trade, agribusiness, and industrial value chains, with targeted support for women entrepreneurs and farmers.

On implementation, the Minister stressed accountability, noting that results-based monitoring would be central to plan execution.

“Accountability for results will be at the centre of plan implementation,” she said, announcing the rollout of a Sector Accountability Platform where Heads of Agencies and Directors will report on progress towards 2026 targets.

She explained that the platform would help identify weak links in implementation and provide support to ensure the timely achievement of targets.

Agencies under the Ministry also used the workshop to present their 2026 Action Plans, assuring the sector Minister of their commitment to delivering on their mandates.