Former President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an ambitious vision for Ghana’s economic future through the Ghana FIRST initiative—Framework for Industrialization, Revitalization, Support, and Transformation. This transformative program is designed to create jobs, stimulate growth, and ensure shared prosperity by focusing on industrial development, strengthening local trade, boosting exports, and formalizing the informal sector.
The Ghana FIRST agenda aims to position Ghana as a hub of industrial excellence, prioritizing investments in key sectors such as aluminum production, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and vehicle assembly. These industries are expected to reduce reliance on imports, enhance competitiveness in global markets, and drive sustainable job creation.
A centerpiece of the plan involves the revitalization of existing factories, including the Komenda Sugar Factory, Pwalugu Tomato Factory, and Zuarungu Meat Factory. Simultaneously, it supports the establishment of new industrial hubs such as the Juapong Textiles and Obuasi Industrial Hub, injecting vitality into local economies, especially in underdeveloped regions.
The initiative also emphasizes technological advancements in manufacturing fertilizers, plastics, and synthetic materials while promoting growth in modern furniture and apparel industries. Small-scale businesses are set to gain significantly, with targeted technical and financial assistance for artisanal centers like Abossey Okai and Suame Magazine, hubs known for their skilled craftsmanship.
One groundbreaking aspect of Ghana FIRST is its focus on the local production of menstrual hygiene products, a move that aligns with the NDC’s Free Sanitary Pads initiative. This dual-purpose strategy will make sanitary products more accessible and affordable while creating new employment opportunities in manufacturing.
The program further seeks to uplift rural economies by constructing modern markets in the six newly created regions, streamlining trade, and fostering regional economic growth.
With Ghana FIRST, Mahama presents a comprehensive and forward-thinking roadmap to tackle the nation’s economic challenges, prioritizing inclusivity, industrialization, and sustainable development to ensure long-term prosperity for all Ghanaians.
Source: ghananewsonline.com.gh