Ghana aims to boost value addition to raw materials and create a conducive environment for West African trade, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry has said.

She made the statement during a weekend visit to Olam Agri, producers of rice and wheat, and Nutrifoods, manufacturers of Tasty Tom tomato paste and biscuit brands like Nutrisnax, King Cracker, Perk, and Milky Magic.

This comes as the US imposes 10 to 50 percent tariffs on products from Ghana and over 180 countries, raising global concerns.
The trade minister acknowledged challenges faced by manufacturers such as Olam Agri and Nutrifoods in trading with neighboring countries.
She said she would work with the Foreign Affairs Minister on bilateral engagements to promote direct trade.

“Not all commodities will qualify [for trade] under the Africa Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA) initiative because of the rules of origin. So, we will work together, making sure that we help each other,” she said.

Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare encouraged manufacturers to increase production levels and source raw materials locally under the government’s Feed the Industry initiative.
She reiterated the government’s support in addressing bottlenecks hindering production and exports.

“Any economy will grow well if you’re doing value addition, import substitution… and it means that there would not be so much burden on your currency, and Olam is ticking all these boxes,” she stated.

Mr. Baihav Biswas, Country Head of Olam Agri, highlighted their efforts with 3,500 employees to enhance the processing, importation, and distribution value chain.
“We feel that we can do far better in Ghana compared to what we have been doing. Considering that it’s a country blessed with fertile land, skilled workers, and the mentality to work and do well,” he said.

Mr. Biswas said that with adequate government support, they could achieve more.
“We are already working on various investment proposals in this country. The first one being pasta, which is a US$40 million investment. We have US$200 million more investment offers going on,” he said.