President Mahama eyes Afienya for Ghana's industrial expansion

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to develop the Afienya Industrial Park to attract investment and expand Ghana’s manufacturing capacity as the government seeks to position the country as a major industrial hub in West Africa.

The project is expected to provide space for businesses seeking to establish factories or expand their operations, particularly as available space at the Tema Export Processing Zone becomes limited.

Africa cannot escape poverty with a generation of job seekers – Sir Sam Jonah

President Mahama announced the project at a sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to mark the start of construction.

The development forms part of the government’s proposed $10 billion New Economy Programme, which aims to invest $2 billion annually over five years to boost production, industrialisation and job creation.

Half of the proposed investment is expected to go into agriculture and agro-processing, while the remaining funds will support industry and infrastructure to connect producers to markets.

However, the success of the industrial expansion will also depend on access to land free from legal disputes, a concern raised by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.

Ofosu-Adjare, who chairs the Board of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, said land disputes could create difficulties for businesses seeking to establish factories and invest in industrial projects.

She stressed the need to resolve land-related issues before construction begins to prevent delays and boost investor confidence.

The minister also acknowledged the cooperation of traditional authorities and local communities in making land available for the project, noting that their support was crucial to Ghana’s industrial development.

Her remarks highlight the importance of addressing land ownership issues early as the government seeks to attract both local and foreign investors to the Afienya Industrial Park.

The government expects the park, alongside investments under the New Economy Programme, to increase domestic production, create jobs and strengthen Ghana’s position as a manufacturing and logistics hub in West Africa.

ANAS/MA

BoG’s Plan for Ghana’s Digital Payments Revealed – Clarence Blay Explains