Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has challenged Ghanaian businesses to see every import as an opportunity to produce locally under government’s New Economy programme.
He says the initiative will reduce import dependence, strengthen local production and create jobs by directing investment to productive sectors.
In a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries and captains of industry, a version of which was posted on his Facebook wall on Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Finance Minister said “every import is an opportunity to ask: why can’t we make it in Ghana?”
He indicated that the programme will prioritise areas where Ghana has the capacity to build competitive industries, with the aim of translating domestic production into jobs and stronger economic activity.
The New Economy, to be outlined in the 2027 Budget, will deploy about US$1.6 billion, equivalent to about one per cent of GDP, to strategic sectors.
It forms part of government’s broader agenda to move beyond macroeconomic stabilisation towards production, job creation and wealth generation.
Priority areas include commercial agriculture, mining value addition, energy and transport infrastructure, with proposed investments in gas-to-power, gas-to-fertiliser and the Western Railway Line.
Dr Forson continued that the approach marks a deliberate shift to sectors with high potential for expansion and private sector growth.
He averred the government expects businesses to increase production, boost exports and create more jobs as the next phase takes shape.
“Our mission is to produce more of what we consume and create more jobs here at home. That is the promise of the New Economy: Ghana producing. Ghanaians working. Prosperity growing!” he posted on Facebook.
Ghana’s interest comes first in 2027 Budget – Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson
