Gov’t waives import duty on agri-processing machinery

By Kizito Cudjoe

President John Dramani Mahama has announced the removal of import duties on agricultural processing machinery in a bid to lower costs and accelerate investment in local agri-processing.

Speaking at the inaugural National Agribusiness Dialogue in Accra, Mahama said the move is aimed at improving access to modern technology, boosting efficiency in the agriculture value chain and encouraging greater private sector participation.

“In the short term, import duties on agri-processing machinery will be waived to reduce costs and incentivise local processing,” President Mahama said. “This will enhance efficiency, improve technology uptake and stimulate private sector investment.”

He added that the medium- to long-term strategy will focus on strengthening domestic capacity for the fabrication and supply of agri-processing equipment through targeted support to Ghana’s local manufacturing sector.

Agriculture is a key sector in the local economy, contributing roughly 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employing more than a third of the workforce. However, limited processing capacity and infrastructure gaps continue to hamper growth and lead to post-harvest losses.

In line with government’s vision for industrial transformation, the President said steps are being taken to reposition the economy from a raw commodity base to one driven by value addition and exports.

“Our commitment to agri-business is evident in the recent realignment of the Ministry of Trade and Industry into the Ministry of Trade, Agri-Business and Industry,” President Mahama said. “This was not a cosmetic change. It was a deliberate policy shift intended to place agri-business at the heart of our industrial strategy.”

He said the inclusion of agri-business reflects a strategic reorientation focused on value chain integration, which he believes could significantly reshape the country’s economic trajectory.

With the global agri-business market projected to reach between US$4.4trillion and US$5.8trillion by 2033, President Mahama said Ghana must strategically position itself to claim a competitive share by leveraging its agricultural potential.

He emphasised the need to close gaps across the agriculture value chain, particularly through improved raw material supply and the deliberate development of sustainable, local production systems.

“This is indispensable to achieving full-scale implementation of our 24-hour economy initiative,” the President said. “Our agri-business strategy must be integrated with industrial policy, logistics and export development if we are to fully realise our national potential.”

President Mahama also disclosed that the Ministry of Trade, Agri-Business and Industry is spearheading the development of a national agri-business policy framework.

“This comprehensive framework will guide policy, investment and implementation across the agri-business ecosystem,” he said. “It will focus not just on value addition, but also on high-quality raw material production, processing standards, competitiveness and supply chain resilience.”

He noted that the policy aims to position Ghanaian agri-businesses to compete globally while creating sustainable and decent jobs locally.

The National Agribusiness Dialogue, organised by the Ministry of Trade, Agri-Business and Industry, was held under the theme ‘Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth’.

Sector Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said the forum sought to spark a national conversation and co-create a policy framework that addresses the real needs, challenges and opportunities within the agri-business ecosystem.

“We are here today because we recognise that Ghana’s agri-business sector must move beyond its traditional confines,” she said. “We must embrace innovation, invest in value addition, scale up agritech solutions, strengthen market systems and expand access to finance.”

She added that a strong and coherent policy framework would serve as the foundation for this transformation, offering clarity, stability and direction for investment, partnerships and long-term planning.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Group, Mr. Daniel Faahene Acquaye, called for the establishment of an ‘Agri-Fund’ to catalyse more investments in the agri-business sector.

He said: “This fund will be a game-changer, derisking investments, unlocking capital and empowering industry actors to scale with confidence and resilience and reset our staggering US$2billion post-harvest losses into agri-business gains”.

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