As part of Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy agenda, the government is taking steps to establish a dedicated machinery park in Kumasi. This move falls under the Make24 module, a key strategy aimed at boosting the country’s local manufacturing capabilities, starting with the production of tools and equipment for the agriculture and industrial sectors.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, July 3, Abdul Nasar Alidu, a representative from the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, revealed that the initial focus of the Make24 module will be on machinery and fabrication.
He explained that the goal is to begin producing essential equipment locally, including items such as ploughs and aboboyas, which are vital to Ghana’s farming operations. According to Mr. Alidu, this initiative is not starting from scratch. Ghana already has the technical know-how and resources needed to manufacture many of these tools.
However, the country has not fully leveraged these capabilities. He referenced GRATIS, a local technology hub, and noted that although it has the ability to produce over 140 different tools and machines, it is currently underutilized.
To revive and scale up such potential, the Secretariat plans to set up the new machinery park in Kumasi, tapping into the existing industrial cluster in the Suame area. Mr. Alidu emphasized that Suame already hosts a variety of technical talent and machinery, but most of it is currently used for reassembling imported parts. The new vision under Make24 is to shift this focus toward full-scale production of locally made industrial and agricultural equipment.
He stressed that the inability of local factories to compete on price is often due to their dependence on imported machinery and components. By developing domestic capacity to manufacture essential equipment, Ghanaian factories can significantly reduce their setup and operational costs, making them more competitive and sustainable.
In the long term, the Make24 initiative aims to go beyond just agricultural and industrial tools. Mr. Alidu explained that the broader goal is to eventually manufacture a wide range of consumer products right here in Ghana. The strategy, he said, is rooted in self-reliance and building an economy where the country produces the goods it consumes.
He concluded that Make24 represents a forward-thinking plan to transform Ghana’s manufacturing base. By starting with farm and factory equipment and gradually scaling up to include items like televisions and household appliances, the country can reduce imports, save foreign exchange, and create sustainable jobs.
