The Minister for Trade and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has expressed concern over the persistent shortage of raw materials for local industries, despite Ghana’s long-standing investment in agriculture.
Speaking on The Point of View on Channel One TV with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, July 30, the Minister highlighted the closure of some tomato processing factories due to the unavailability of raw materials, despite the facilities being in good condition.
She revealed that the Ministry is currently collaborating with a company in Berekum on a commercial contract farming initiative aimed at producing raw materials specifically for industrial use.
“You know we have done agriculture over the years, and we still import about 90% of our raw materials to feed industries. So, the institution of agribusiness in that industry is to give us the opportunity to produce raw materials in commercial contract quantities to feed our industry.
She emphasised, “You realised that some tomato factories have been shut down. The factories are in good shape; the only problem is the raw materials. As I speak to you right now, there’s a company in Brekum that we’re working closely with to help them with commercial contract farming.
“That one is not for your soup or stew; it’s not for the market, it’s for the industry. And so, we work well with the Ministry of Agriculture in helping us get the agricultural people to do proper agricultural practices.”
Her remarks follow the launch of the National Agribusiness Dialogue on Monday, July 28, which brought together stakeholders from the agriculture, trade, and industry sectors to explore innovative strategies for advancing Ghana’s agribusiness sector.
The initiative is part of the Mahama administration’s broader agenda to modernise agriculture, boost industrial productivity, and support rural livelihoods.
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