Industry

Ghana’s industrial sector is still quite small and import-reliant, with manufacturing making just a modest contribution to GDP. The sector has traditionally been based around a few key products, including cement, metals and agricultural products such as cocoa. However, a new five-year plan for the 2011-15 period has established the aim of increasing industrial competitiveness. This will largely be achieved through upgrading technology, improving the manufacturing value chain, putting in place more incentives and regulations for producers and raising work safety standards. The outlook for the retail sector, meanwhile, is optimistic, particularly given rising purchasing power and improved distribution networks. This chapter contains interviews with Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry; and Ashok R Mohinani, Executive Director, Mohinani Group.