The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s export landscape through policy reforms, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on diversification. 

Speaking in Accra at a forum of exporters, the Trade Minister acknowledged the significant role exporters played in the country’s economic development and the urgent need to reduce over-reliance on a few primary commodities.

Known as the Top Exporters Forum, last Friday’s event at the Ghana Trade Hub brought together leading exporters and key stakeholders across the value chain for a dialogue aimed at addressing challenges in the sector and setting a renewed agenda for growth.

From cocoa processors to manufacturers of iron, steel, textiles and chemicals, the forum recorded strong participation, with many contributors offering insights, raising critical concerns and proposing innovative solutions.

Diversification

“According to the Ghana Statistical Service, while Ghana’s total exports rose from $25.99 billion in 2023 to an estimated $28.5 billion in 2024, non-traditional exports (NTEs) declined, representing only 13.4 per cent of total exports,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Techiman North, stated.

She described the statistics as a wake-up call for urgent diversification.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare outlined the government’s plan to explore more opportunities through bilateral and multilateral trade agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while also intensifying the implementation of national initiatives such as the Accelerated Export Development Programme and the 24-hour Economy Policy.

“This forum is not just about identifying challenges; it is about forging actionable solutions with clear timelines and measurable outputs,” she emphasised.

The Trade Minister assured participants of immediate follow-ups, particularly on issues of energy and taxation.

She cited ongoing engagements with relevant agencies to reduce energy costs through time-of-use metering and to address concerns around gas pricing and tax burdens on exporters.

“Exporters must feel the impact of our 24-hour Economy policy,” she said.

“Our goal is to make the cost of doing business cheaper and to encourage more exports.”

She further announced that a report from the forum would be submitted to President John Dramani Mahama today, with recommendations guiding future interventions.

A working committee will be established to oversee  the implementation and ensure continuity in government-stakeholder engagement.

The minister ended by praising the private sector’s commitment and pledged the government’s continuous support to make Ghana a globally competitive, export-led economy.

“Your growth is Ghana’s growth. Together, we will reposition Ghana as a diversified, resilient, and globally competitive export powerhouse,” she declared.

Exporters endorse

The forum marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s export agenda, one anchored on collaboration, innovation and strategic policy implementation.

The over 50 top exporters who attended the important event expressed their utmost appreciation to President Mahama and the sector minister for bringing them together to chart a common path of progress.

The Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Sampson Asaki Awingobit, commended the government and the ministry for the timely organisation of the forum and expressed the hope that more such opportunities would be availed to Ghanaian businesses.

He also called for economic diplomacy and trade shows abroad to help Ghanaian businesses access markets beyond the country’s borders.