"Industrialisation is now an economic necessity, not a policy option" — Prez. Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has declared that industrialisation is no longer a policy option but an economic necessity, as he officially cut the sod for the construction of the Tema Integrated Industrial Park (TIIP), describing the landmark project as a catalyst for transforming Ghana into a competitive manufacturing and export-driven economy.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony in Tema on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana's long-term economic prosperity depends on building a strong industrial base capable of creating sustainable jobs, adding value to local raw materials, reducing import dependence, and positioning the country to fully leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He stressed that the Tema Integrated Industrial Park represents a bold investment in Ghana's future and called on all partners involved in the project to remain focused on delivering a modern industrial enclave that reflects the vision of Ghana's founding President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who established Tema as the country's premier industrial city.

The President noted that beyond infrastructure development, the project is expected to stimulate manufacturing, logistics, processing, and exports while strengthening local supply chains and integrating Ghanaian businesses into regional and global value chains.

The Tema Integrated Industrial Park, strategically located about seven kilometres from the Tema Port, will cover approximately 83.5 hectares and is expected to become one of West Africa's leading industrial and manufacturing centres.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described the industrial park as a strategic national investment that aligns with government's industrial transformation agenda and its vision of making Ghana a preferred destination for manufacturing and industrial production in West Africa.

She explained that the park will promote value addition to locally produced raw materials, encourage import substitution, expand export-oriented manufacturing, and support the growth of competitive local industries capable of serving both domestic and international markets.

Hon. Ofosu-Adjare further announced that Cabinet has approved four major sector-specific policies aimed at providing the regulatory framework needed to support industries that will operate within the industrial park.

These include the Ghana Textiles and Garments Manufacturing Policy, the Ghana Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Policy, the Automotive Components Manufacturing Policy, and the National Agribusiness Policy (2026–2036).

According to the Minister, these policy frameworks are designed to provide certainty for investors, attract anchor industries, strengthen industrial value chains, and create a sustainable ecosystem that encourages innovation, investment, and long-term job creation.

She reaffirmed government's commitment to working closely with investors, development partners, and relevant institutions to ensure the successful implementation of the project and maximise its impact on Ghana's industrialisation agenda.

The Tema Integrated Industrial Park is being developed through a partnership between TDC Ghana Limited, the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), and ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms.

When completed, the project is expected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs while generating thousands of additional indirect employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, construction, agribusiness, and related sectors.

Government believes the industrial park will play a pivotal role in accelerating Ghana's industrial transformation, strengthening export competitiveness, attracting both local and foreign investment, and driving inclusive economic growth for decades to come.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith