Ghana's Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a supportive business environment for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative aims to enable these businesses to expand, innovate, and effectively compete in global markets. The government's focus is on enhancing Ghana's overall global competitiveness through strategic interventions.
MSMEs are vital to Ghana's economy, accounting for over 90% of all businesses. They also employ nearly two-thirds of the country's workforce. Despite their significant contribution, these enterprises face persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, technology, infrastructure, and international markets. Addressing these hurdles is critical for sustained economic growth and job creation.
This strategic direction aligns with Ghana's broader economic goals of industrialization and export-driven growth. The nation seeks to move beyond exporting raw materials, which deprives it of greater economic value and local job opportunities. By processing commodities like cocoa beans into chocolate or raw cotton into finished garments, Ghana can capture more value from its natural resources. This approach is central to building a competitive and resilient economy.
Stella Ansah, Director of Foreign Trade and Negotiations at the Ministry, articulated this vision. Speaking on behalf of Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, she highlighted the government's responsibility to create conditions for businesses to thrive. "Data shows that MSMEs make up over 90 percent of Ghana businesses. They employ nearly two-thirds of our workforce, yet they are faced with challenges," Ansah stated at the 9th edition of the Business Safari on August 6, 2026.
The government's objective is to build a competitive, industrialized, and export-driven economy. This involves creating jobs, adding value to Ghana’s resources, and positioning Ghanaian businesses for success in regional and global markets. The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry is actively pursuing this through various programs.
Prioritizing value addition is a key component of this strategy. Ansah emphasized that exporting raw materials essentially exports jobs. The goal is to transform Ghana's natural resources into higher-value products for international sale. This includes targeting major markets such as Mumbai, Dubai, London, Lagos, and the United States with high-quality "Made in Ghana" products.
Regulatory reforms and digitalization are also central to the government's efforts. These initiatives aim to simplify investment processes and reduce administrative barriers for businesses. The reforms are designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, making it easier for new ideas to become operational enterprises. This supportive regulatory environment is crucial for attracting both local and foreign investment.
Specific initiatives include the National Agribusiness Policy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme. Efforts to promote non-traditional exports and rapid industrialization are also underway. The government is working to reactivate idle factory capacity and support the textiles and garments program. These measures collectively aim to strengthen Ghana's industrial base and export capabilities.
Ghana will further solidify its role in international trade by hosting the Accra Convention in October 2026. This international event will facilitate the signing of a new United Nations treaty. The treaty seeks to harmonize the legal recognition of cargo documents in both paper and electronic forms across all transport modes. The General Assembly named the treaty the "Accra Convention" in recognition of Ghana's pivotal role in its development. This convention will provide greater legal certainty for digital trade documents, enhancing cross-border trade efficiency.
The Business Safari, organized by the Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber (GATAC) and GITAC, serves as an important platform. It connects enterprises, investors, and policymakers, fostering dialogue and potential investment partnerships. Ansah encouraged stakeholders to participate, aiming to translate discussions into concrete business arrangements. The ultimate goal is to invest, innovate, and build competitive industries together, positioning Ghana as a key trading hub in Africa.