Ghana to restrict imports by state institutions to boost local production
In a bold policy shift aimed at bolstering domestic production and cutting back on imports, the government of Ghana is set to require all state institutions to source selected goods—such as rice and sugar—exclusively from local producers, unless granted special exemption by the Office of the President.
The initiative, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a meeting with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), forms part of a larger strategy to revitalize local manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and generate employment.
“To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally,” Dr. Forson stated. “Going forward, any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President.”
He questioned Ghana’s continued reliance on imports for basic commodities like rice and sugar, despite the country’s potential to produce them domestically. “No nation can develop meaningfully without a solid industrial base,” he added. While acknowledging the importance of global trade, Dr. Forson stressed the urgency of policies that actively prioritize homegrown production.
Smuggling also came under scrutiny. The Finance Minister pointed to the damaging effects of illegal imports on Ghanaian manufacturers, warning that the government had identified key smuggling routes and would soon unveil new measures to stem the tide of illicit goods that undercut local businesses.
The government’s plans are part of a broader industrialisation agenda that includes the rollout of a 24-hour economy programme. Dr. Forson proposed convening a working session with private sector leaders to explore how local businesses can tap into this initiative to scale operations and boost economic growth.
Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, President of the AGI, lauded the government’s policy direction, calling it a significant step toward revitalising Ghana’s manufacturing sector. He emphasized the value of ongoing collaboration between the state and industry to overcome persistent structural challenges.
As Ghana charts a course toward self-sufficiency, the message is clear: government procurement will now be wielded as a tool for industrial transformation.
