Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang Highlights Industrialisation and Women’s Economic Empowerment at 15th Ghana Economic Forum

Story by: Regina Bless

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has highlighted the government’s commitment to industrialisation, job creation and economic empowerment, particularly for women, at the 15th Ghana Economic Forum organised by the Business and Financial Times.

Addressing policymakers, business leaders and other stakeholders at the forum, the Vice President said Ghana had made progress towards restoring macroeconomic stability over the past year, citing a steadier Cedi and improving economic conditions.

She stressed that the government’s next priority was to translate these gains into productive economic growth that directly benefits businesses and households.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the government’s industrialisation agenda focuses on value addition, local manufacturing and employment creation. She pointed to recent factory commissioning activities by President John Dramani Mahama and the commencement of the Tema industrial development project as examples of efforts to expand productive opportunities.

She added that government was pursuing incentives, including tax reliefs and reforms, to improve the investment environment and support the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Programme.

The Vice President also emphasised the importance of accessible financing and a skilled workforce in driving industrial growth. She called for stronger collaboration between financial institutions, businesses and technical and vocational education institutions to equip young people with the practical skills required by industry.

A key issue she raised was the difficulty many women entrepreneurs face in accessing affordable credit despite their significant contributions to businesses, households and the national economy.

She explained that this challenge informed the government’s initiative to establish the Women’s Development Bank, which is intended to provide appropriate financial services to women who remain underserved by conventional banking institutions.

According to her, the institution is expected to help women establish stronger and more sustainable businesses, create employment and contribute greater economic value.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang further urged Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing the need for local enterprises to expand beyond the domestic market and compete effectively across Africa and other international markets.

She maintained that Ghana’s economic transformation would depend on strengthening domestic production, improving access to finance, developing relevant skills and expanding opportunities for businesses to grow.