The government has outlined an ambitious outlook for 2026, placing strong emphasis on industrial expansion, agribusiness growth, export development and job creation, as part of the rollout of the 24-Hour Economy policy.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described 2026 as a “decisive year” for Ghana’s industrial transformation and inclusive economic growth.
“I can say for a fact that 2026 looks even better for trade, agribusiness and industry. Government is deliberately positioning the private sector to lead job creation, industrial expansion and export growth,” she stated.
27,000 Jobs Through Garment Factories
A key highlight of the government’s 2026 agenda is plans to support the establishment of three large-scale garment factories, which are expected to create about 27,000 jobs in the long term.
According to the Minister, the garment sector offers rapid employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, due to its relatively short training period.
“The garment industry is one of the fastest job-creating sectors. You don’t need five months of training. In four weeks, you can already be working. Whether you have a certificate or not, you can earn a decent living,” she explained.
Full Operation of Agro-Processing Plants
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare also announced that government will ensure the full operation of agro-processing facilities across several regions, targeting key agricultural value chains such as yam, rice, fish, poultry, cashew, shea butter and palm kernel oil.
“Ghana can no longer remain a net exporter of raw materials. In 2026, we are scaling up value addition to stabilize the cedi, create jobs and reduce imports,” she said.
She disclosed that the Ghana EXIM Bank will support the establishment of two cashew processing factories in major cashew-producing areas to cut transportation costs and improve efficiency.
Contract Farming to Secure Raw Materials
To address persistent raw material shortages faced by local industries, the Minister said government will intensify commercial contract farming arrangements between farmers and processors.
“Industry should not be competing with chop bar operators for raw materials. Contract commercial farming ensures steady supply and protects industries from seasonal shortages,” she noted.
24-Hour Business Registration and Digital Support
As part of the 24-Hour Economy policy, the Ministry plans to establish 24-hour business registration centres and digital helplines in 2026 to support entrepreneurs.
“If we are running a 24-hour economy, then government services must also be available 24 hours. Entrepreneurs must be able to register businesses and get support at any time,” the Minister said.
Boosting Exports Under AfCFTA
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to leveraging its role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat to expand exports.
“We keep telling investors: don’t look at Ghana’s 33 million people. Look at the 1.5 billion-person African market. From Ghana, you can export duty-free and quota-free,” she emphasized.
She added that government is working with the Ghana Standards Authority to strengthen standardization, packaging and export readiness, while harmonizing local standards with those of trading partners.
Consumer Protection and Trade Reforms
The Minister further revealed that key consumer protection, competition and business regulatory reform bills will be advanced in 2026 to improve market fairness and safeguard consumers.
“Our goal is to make Ghana the most business-friendly country in Africa while ensuring consumers are protected and competition is fair,” she said.
Optimism for 2026
Expressing confidence in the year ahead, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare said the policies planned for 2026 will deliver tangible benefits to ordinary Ghanaians.
“2026 will be a busy year, but it will also be a successful year. The benefits of our trade, agribusiness and industrial policies will be felt by ordinary Ghanaians,” she concluded.
