Government defends export ban, engages industry to boost local processing

The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening local industry through policies such as the ban on the export of non-ferrous metals. 

She explained that the decision, approved by Cabinet last year, was aimed at addressing the contradiction of exporting raw materials, while local industries operate below capacity due to shortages.

"We will continue to bring policies that feed our industry.

This will also encourage more people to site their industries here because access to raw material is always key." 

"Wherever you find raw material is a good place to put your industry, and so this is what the government has done.

So, we'll continue to listen to the industry and see what we can do after we have implemented the policies.

Some of the teasing issues will be discussed, and then we'll find a lasting solution to them," she said.

Working visit

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare made the remarks during a working visit to the metal processing plant, MND Metals Company Limited, located within the Tema Free Zones Enclave, last Thursday evening.

The visit was part of efforts to engage directly with industry players, understand their concerns, and address any implementation issues through dialogue and round-table discussions.

Feeding local industries

Addressing the media after a guided tour of the company’s facilities, the minister mentioned that retaining these materials for domestic use would help feed local industries, encourage industrial growth, and attract further investment.

She emphasised that access to raw materials remains a critical determinant in the siting of industries, noting that the policy is designed to position Ghana as a more attractive and competitive destination for manufacturing investment.

The Trade Minister also highlighted the positive impact of the policy on job creation, particularly for women, expressing satisfaction at the number of female workers employed at the facility.

Acknowledging that new policies often come with challenges, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare assured stakeholders that the government remains open to feedback.

The minister stressed that the government remains committed to engaging industry stakeholders and will continuously refine its policies where necessary to ensure long-term success and sustainable industrial growth.

"So I'm here, I'll see more, gather all the issues and then we will sit at a round table and resolve all.

A listening government is a good government, and it's always good for industry," she added.

The Chief Executive Officer of MND Metals Company Limited, Nidal Nasseredine, expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the initiative, saying that the policy had enabled the company to secure adequate raw materials to sustain and expand its operations.

He also thanked Mrs Ofosu-Adjare and her delegation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to supporting the country's industries.

“Thanks to the government for implementing the ban. It has allowed us to expand our operations, grow our business, and access more raw materials. While we still import from Europe, the Middle East, and other regions, we are now also able to source more materials locally in Ghana."

"Everything is now progressing well.

Like many developed countries, we can process and manufacture various metals, including copper, aluminium, zinc, and stainless steel.

We are grateful to the government for these measures,” he said.