Tema: The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, Mary Awusi, has welcomed the commissioning of the CBI Ghana Calcined Clay Plant in Tema, describing the project as strong evidence of Ghana's commitment to industrialisation and value addition.
According to Ghana Web, during the ceremony attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Dr Awusi highlighted that the President's presence at the Tema Industrial Enclave sends a clear signal to both domestic and international investors about the government's dedication to building prosperity through the utilization of Ghana's resources. She emphasized that the facility, touted as the world's largest calcined clay plant, marks a significant milestone for Ghana's industrial development and proof that the country's economic transformation agenda is becoming a reality.
Dr Awusi recalled the President's initial dialogue with the private sector, where he underscored the necessity of a joint effort between the government and industry for Ghana's economic transformation. She noted that this vision challenged stakeholders to position Ghana as West Africa's production hub, a challenge she believes CBI Ghana has answered through its major investment and job creation initiatives.
She highlighted the importance of cement in national development, supporting infrastructure like roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools, while also pointing out the environmental impact of the global cement industry, which contributes to approximately eight percent of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. Dr Awusi explained that Ghana has historically relied on imported clinker, a carbon-intensive product, despite possessing natural resources to produce alternative materials locally.
Commending CBI Ghana for recognizing the potential of Ghana's clay deposits, she noted the company's investment in technology that transforms this resource into an innovative cement solution, attracting global attention. She stressed that such innovation aligns with the industrial vision required for advancing Ghana's development agenda while meeting climate commitments.
Dr Awusi mentioned that under the Paris Agreement, Ghana has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. She emphasized that achieving this target necessitates strong participation from the private sector and that investments like the calcined clay plant exemplify how industry can partner with the government to translate climate commitments into practical action.
Reaffirming her ministry's commitment to making Ghana a competitive manufacturing destination in West Africa, Dr Awusi stated efforts are underway to streamline investment approval processes and strengthen the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre's facilitation role. She stressed that creating an enabling business environment is a clear deliverable for the current administration.
In conclusion, Dr Awusi congratulated the leadership, workers, and investors of CBI Ghana for their achievement, noting that the project demonstrates how Ghanaian ingenuity and resources can combine to produce world-class industrial solutions.