Local assemblies across the country have intensified collaboration with traditional authorities to address land disputes, secure land banks for agro-industrial purposes and support youth entrepreneurship schemes.
The move forms part of a broader effort to integrate the chieftaincy institution more meaningfully into the national governance framework.
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, made this known at the 2025 Made-in-Ghana Business Summit and Awards held in Accra.
He explained that integrating the chieftaincy sector into the Ministry’s strategic framework is key to fostering deeper local participation in governance and ensuring sustainability for development initiatives.
“Chiefs are custodians of land, tradition and social stability. Bringing them meaningfully into the fold of development decision-making ensures that projects and policies enjoy legitimacy, continuity and cultural alignment,” Mr. Ibrahim stated.
“This is how we build transformation – not by side-lining tradition, but by integrating it,” he added.
The Made-in-Ghana Business Summit and Awards is organised annually by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana to promote production and consumption of locally made goods. The 2025 edition brought together business executives, particularly from the manufacturing sector, alongside policymakers and entrepreneurs.
Mr. Ibrahim further emphasised the ministry’s role as the state arm closest to the people. He noted that if genuine regional development is to be achieved, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must be equipped and empowered to identify and drive local economic opportunities.
To this end, he announced a significant increase in allocation for the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
“This substantial increment is not merely a policy adjustment but a firm commitment to deepening decentralisation and empowering local governments with the resources they need to deliver real impact,” he noted.
The minister said enhanced funding will enable MMDAs to initiate and sustain strategic projects in areas such as feeder road construction, health and education infrastructure expansion, local industry investment and support for youth and women-led enterprises.
“This policy-shift underscores the Mahama administration’s belief that true national transformation begins at the local level. Empowered districts are the foundation of an inclusive, prosperous and self-reliant Ghana,” he stressed.
In his welcome address, Chairman-Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, underscored the proposed 24-hour economy policy’s importance.
“It is not just about staying open longer; it is about fostering a business culture that is agile, responsive and globally competitive,” he said.
Mr. Amoafo-Yeboah envisioned a Ghana where ports operate round-the-clock, factories run continuous shifts, tech hubs code into the early hours and essential services remain uninterrupted – adding that such a model could significantly boost industrial output and exports while reducing imports.
He also stressed the need for Ghana to transition from manufacturing for local consumption to regional and international supply.
Sam Ato Gaisie, founder of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, called for a stronger focus on industrialisation and agribusiness as pivotal drivers of economic progress. He advocated the establishment of at least one major industry in each region, aligned with local resources, to create jobs and tackle unemployment – particularly among graduates.
“This would address the job scarcity exacerbated by technological advances in industrial processes,” he stated.
Dr. Macdonald Vasnani, Chairman-Consolidated Shipping Agencies Ltd., also called for inclusive growth strategies that support job creation and poverty reduction. He highlighted the importance of regional value chains in promoting industrialisation tailored to local needs.
“The pharmaceutical industry, automotive sector, logistics, freight forwarding, Customs brokerage, warehousing and transportation must be reserved for indigenous businesses,” he stated.
Chief Executive Officer-Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Kenneth Ashigbey, emphasised the transformative potential of agro-industrialisation through technology.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, but its full potential is yet to be realised. Agri-tech solutions like drones, precision farming, data analytics and supply chain digitalisation hold the key to unlocking this potential,” he said.
Award recipients
The event recognised outstanding performers in the local manufacturing and business sectors. Award recipients included:
- Latex Foam – Ghana Foam and Mattress Business Pride Award 2025
- M&G Pharmaceuticals – Ghana Pharmaceutical Business Pride Award 2025
- B5 Plus Group – Ghana Iron and Steel Business Pride Award 2025
- Jay Kay Industries and Investments Ltd. – Ghana Printing and Paper Packaging Business Pride Award 2025
- De-United Food Industries Ghana Ltd. – Ghana Food Processing Business Pride Award 2025
