President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his government’s commitment to transforming Ghana from a raw material-exporting economy into an industrialized nation driven by value addition, manufacturing, and exports.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Tema Integrated Industrial Park (TIIP), President Mahama said Ghana can no longer depend on exporting unprocessed raw materials if it is to achieve sustainable economic growth, create quality jobs, and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
He emphasized that processing the country’s abundant natural resources locally will not only increase the value of Ghana’s exports but also encourage technology transfer, enhance industrial competitiveness, and generate long-term national wealth.
The President explained that the Tema Integrated Industrial Park represents a major milestone in the government’s industrialization agenda and forms a key component of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. The initiative is designed to expand Ghana’s manufacturing base, attract both local and foreign investment, and position the country as a leading industrial and export hub in West Africa.
According to President Mahama, the industrial park will provide the infrastructure needed for manufacturing companies to thrive, enabling businesses to operate efficiently while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
He noted that the government’s vision is to build an economy where locally produced goods are processed to international standards, increasing their competitiveness on global markets and reducing the country’s dependence on imports.
The President further stressed that industrialization remains central to his administration’s strategy for economic transformation, adding that initiatives under the 24-Hour Economy policy will stimulate continuous production, improve productivity, and maximize the use of existing infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the Tema Integrated Industrial Park would become a catalyst for innovation, skills development, and export-led growth, helping Ghana diversify its economy and strengthen its position in regional and international trade.
The Tema Integrated Industrial Park is expected to serve as a modern industrial enclave that supports manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and export-oriented businesses. The project aligns with the government’s broader agenda of promoting value addition, boosting exports, and accelerating inclusive economic development.
With the commencement of the project, government expects the industrial park to play a significant role in driving economic growth, creating sustainable employment, and advancing Ghana’s ambition of becoming a competitive industrial economy.
Author: Joyce Owusu
Source: Jubilee House
