In a strong statement at the 2025 National Economic Dialogue held in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the urgent need for Ghana to shift away from exporting raw materials. He pointed out that the country’s heavy reliance on the exportation of commodities like gold, cocoa, and crude oil leaves it vulnerable to external shocks and fluctuations in global prices.
Mahama’s message was clear: Ghana must transform its economic structure to achieve sustainable growth. He argued that continuing to export raw materials without adding value not only undermines the local economy but also hinders the nation’s potential for development. “We must end this dependence,” he urged, highlighting the necessity of moving towards an industrialized, value-added economy.
The President outlined several benefits of this shift. By focusing on value addition, Ghana could reduce its reliance on imports, create more jobs, and increase exports. Such a transformation would allow the country to retain more wealth generated from its natural resources, rather than exporting it in its raw form.
Additionally, Mahama announced plans to expand the manufacturing and agro-processing sectors. This expansion is intended to ensure that Ghana fully capitalizes on its natural resources and enhances its economic stability.
