• President John Mahama unveils nationwide industrialization campaign to boost economic growth

• Plan supports the "24-Hour Economy Policy" through manufacturing and agri-food expansion

• Cashew sector prioritized; AfDB backs transformation through infrastructure and entrepreneurship

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has launched a national industrialization campaign aimed at accelerating the country’s economic growth and development. The announcement was reported by the Ghana News Agency on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

The initiative supports Mahama’s "24-Hour Economy Policy" and envisions job creation and local business revitalization through enhanced manufacturing and agri-food production.

Speaking in Sunyani, Mahama emphasized the agricultural potential of the region, particularly in cashew cultivation, which he described as a key economic driver for rural communities. To support this sector, he announced the creation of a Cashew Development Council. The council will regulate prices, improve market access, and promote local processing.

Ghana’s industrial sector recorded average growth of 8.9% in Q3 2024. Mining and quarrying led with a 17.1% increase, followed by the construction sector, which grew by 10.3%. Petroleum, gas, and manufacturing also contributed to the overall expansion.

According to the International Monetary Fund, the industrial and agricultural sectors are projected to be the second- and third-largest contributors to GDP growth between 2022 and 2025.

The country aims to shift from a commodity-based export model—relying on gold, cocoa, and crude oil—toward a high value-added economy. Industrialization is viewed as a key mechanism for job creation, poverty reduction, and trade balance improvement.

Ghana’s economic transformation strategy centers on industrialization and private sector development. It is backed by the African Development Bank, which has outlined its 2024–2029 country strategy paper for Ghana. The strategy focuses on two priority areas: boosting industrialization through expanded agricultural value chains and entrepreneurship, and developing transport infrastructure to better connect production hubs to regional markets.

The overarching goal is to build a resilient and inclusive economy with a strong focus on agriculture, energy, and social development. Ghana seeks to enhance local production, reduce import dependence, and strengthen regional integration.

President Mahama presented these efforts as part of a broader vision to modernize agriculture, improve rural livelihoods, and create resilient local economies.