Accra: The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced an ambitious government initiative to establish three large garment factories by 2026, in partnership with the private sector, which is expected to employ 27,000 people. According to Ghana Web, each of these garment factories will be strategically located in the Central, Bono East, and Eastern Regions. During her address at the Government Accountability Series Press Conference at the Presidency in Accra, Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the employment potential of the garment manufacturing industry. She emphasized that the industry offers quick job readiness, stating, "In this industry, we can train you for four weeks, and you already have a job." The Minister elaborated on the inclusive nature of the employment opportunities, noting that the factories will provide jobs for individuals with varying educational backgrounds, from university graduates to those without formal schooling. She reiterated that the garment indust ry offers decent employment opportunities without the need for certificates, providing on-the-job training. In addition to the garment factories, Ofosu-Adjare announced plans to operationalize seven agro-processing plants across several regions, including Northern, Central, Ahafo, Bono, Northeast, Bono East, and Western North. These plants will focus on enhancing value chains for products such as yam, fish, poultry, cashew nut, rice, shea butter, and palm kernel oil. The initiative will also see the construction of two Cashew Processing Plants, funded by Ghana Exim Bank, under the President's Accelerated Export Development initiative. The Minister highlighted the importance of situating processing plants close to raw materials to save on transportation costs, noting, "We grow a lot of cashews, and the closer the factory is to the raw material, the better the cost-effectiveness." Looking ahead, Ofosu-Adjare outlined plans for 24/7 Business Registration Centres and Digital Helplines, which will enable busine sses to register within 24 hours. She also discussed the drafting of Consumer Protection, Competition, and Business Regulatory Reform Bills set to be addressed in 2026, aimed at protecting consumers and guiding competition. The government aims to boost exports and strengthen Ghana's position in regional and global value chains, taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ofosu-Adjare stated, "As we improve what we do locally, we will be able to take advantage of the world's largest single market, with 1.5 billion people and $3.4 trillion in trade."
Director Appeals for More Staff and Funding at Upper East Regional Hospital
September 12, 2026