President John Dramani Mahama has described the Tema Integrated Industrial Park (TIIP) as a catalyst for Ghana’s industrial transformation, saying the project will accelerate manufacturing, create thousands of jobs and reposition the country as a competitive industrial and export hub in West Africa.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the project in Tema on Tuesday, President Mahama said the industrial park represented a major step towards fulfilling his administration’s vision of transforming Ghana from a predominantly raw material-exporting economy into one driven by value addition, production and exports.
“This ceremony is far more than the commencement of another infrastructure project. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s economic transformation and reaffirms our determination to build an economy that produces more, exports more, creates more jobs and delivers shared prosperity,” he said.
The President explained that the Tema Integrated Industrial Park was one of the flagship projects under the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, designed to expand industrial capacity, increase exports and position Ghana as the preferred manufacturing and logistics destination in West Africa.
“The Tema Integrated Industrial Park represents the practical implementation of our vision to transform Ghana from a predominantly raw material-exporting economy into a competitive industrial nation. It is not merely an investment in land, factories and infrastructure; it is an investment in Ghanaian enterprise, Ghanaian ingenuity and Ghana’s future,” he stated.
President Mahama recounted that the initiative began after Chief of Staff Julius Debrah introduced him to the Chief Executive Officer of Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP), Mr. Gagan Gupta, who shared the success of similar industrial parks established across Africa and expressed interest in developing one in Ghana.
According to the President, government subsequently dispatched a delegation led by Mr. Debrah to Benin to study the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone.
“The delegation returned highly impressed by what they had seen. Following the visit, we directed the relevant institutions to begin discussions and technical work towards establishing a similar industrial park in Ghana,” he said.
He commended the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC), the Tema Development Corporation (TDC), the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources and other partner institutions for their commitment in bringing the project to fruition despite challenges encountered during negotiations.
President Mahama said the 120-hectare industrial park, strategically located within Tema’s heavy industrial enclave adjacent to VALCO and close to the Port of Tema, would support manufacturing, aluminium processing, warehousing, logistics and export-oriented industries.
He noted that the facility would play a critical role in developing Ghana’s integrated aluminium value chain, from bauxite mining and alumina refining to aluminium fabrication and the production of finished goods.
“When completed, the park will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulate private investment and strengthen Ghana’s position as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
The President stressed that Ghana could no longer rely on exporting raw materials while importing finished products at higher costs.
“Our bauxite is exported and returns as aluminium products. Our timber leaves our shores and comes back as furniture. Our cocoa is exported and re-imported as chocolate and cocoa products. Every shipment of unprocessed raw materials represents lost jobs, lost technology, lost industrial opportunities and lost national wealth,” he said.
He maintained that industrialisation had become an economic imperative for Ghana’s future.
“The time has come to complete the work started by earlier generations by ensuring that Ghana increasingly processes its own resources and manufactures its own products. Industrialisation is no longer an option. It is an economic necessity,” President Mahama declared.
He assured investors that government would continue investing in technical education, vocational training and digital skills development to prepare Ghana’s workforce for opportunities expected to emerge from the industrial park.
President Mahama also expressed appreciation to Arise IIP for its confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects.
“We value this partnership because it reflects a shared belief that Africa’s future lies in investment, industrialisation and value addition rather than dependence on raw material exports,” he said.
At the beginning of his address, the President expressed sympathy to victims of the recent floods that affected parts of Greater Accra and other coastal communities after torrential rains.
“Between June 28 and June 29, nature reminded us of the reality of climate change. For those who still doubt it, climate change is real,” he said.
He disclosed that about 140 millimetres of rainfall fell within a 24-hour period, resulting in extensive flooding in Accra, Winneba and other coastal communities.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to all families affected by the floods, particularly those who have lost property, sustained injuries or are still searching for loved ones,” he added.
President Mahama concluded by expressing confidence that the Tema Integrated Industrial Park would become a defining symbol of Ghana’s industrial renaissance.
“Let this industrial park become a catalyst for innovation, value addition, exports and sustainable economic growth. Let future generations look back on this day as a defining moment when Ghana chose to build, manufacture, compete and prosper,” he said.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
