The 2024 Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition (GISE), organized by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in partnership with the Volta River Authority (VRA) and MTN Ghana, is currently underway under the theme “Promoting Value Chains for Competitive Industrial Development.”
This year’s event aims to underscore the critical role of value chains in driving sustainable industrial growth and enhancing Ghana’s global competitiveness.
Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Accra International Conference Center, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr. Michael Okyere Baafi, highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to industrial development, aligned with the government’s industrial transformation programs.
He emphasized the development of sector-specific policies—such as the automotive component manufacturing policy, textiles, and pharmaceutical manufacturing policies—which are designed to strengthen value chains across these industries.
“For example, the vigorous promotion of automotive assembly will drive demand for parts manufacturing, boosting the iron, steel, and aluminum sectors.
Similarly, expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing could create market opportunities for industrial chemicals and vegetable oils, while modernizing textiles could benefit industries like cotton production and synthetic fibers,” Mr. Baafi explained.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by businesses, including high financing costs and regulatory bottlenecks, particularly in customs and taxation. However, he assured that the Ministry is actively addressing these issues to create a more favorable business environment.
AGI President’s Call for Strategic Policy Reassessment
AGI President, Dr. Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke, emphasized the significance of value chains as a catalyst for industrial growth.
He called for a reassessment of past policies to accelerate industrialization and highlighted agriculture’s importance in Ghana’s industrial development.
Dr. Darke warned that drought in key agricultural regions could lead to food shortages, urging stakeholders to prioritize value chains in agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, iron, bauxite, and the automotive industry to create jobs and reduce reliance on imports.
MTN Ghana Launches Yellow Biz for SMEs
MTN Ghana, a key event partner, announced the launch of its new product, Yellow Biz, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, stressed the company’s commitment to local business growth, offering solutions that go beyond internet connectivity to include access to Microsoft 365 and website setup services.
He emphasized that as SMEs grow, the economy flourishes, benefiting both MTN and the wider business community.
VRA’s Commitment to Sustainable Energy
Mr. Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, CEO of the Volta River Authority (VRA), reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s industrial sector through sustainable energy supply and innovative solutions.
He assured stakeholders that VRA will continue to provide energy solutions that are clean, affordable, sustainable, and tailored to industries’ evolving needs.
The three-day summit, running from September 16 to 18, 2024, provides a platform for dialogue between the private sector, policymakers, investors, and key industry players on promoting local content and value chains, intending to shape Ghana’s industrial landscape.
