President Mahama announces nationwide industrialization drive

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a nationwide regional industrialization drive to spur rapid economic growth and progressive development.

The initiative, the President said, aligned with his government’s 24-hour economy policy to create jobs and stimulate the growth of local businesses through robust manufacturing and agro-processing.

President Mahama announced this when he addressed a durbar of chiefs and people at the Sunyani Jubilee Park as part of his ‘Thank You Tour’ of the Bono Region.

He highlighted the region’s agricultural potential, especially the cashew sector, describing Bono as the “cashew heartland of Ghana”, adding that “cashew farming is not merely a commercial activity, but a lifeline for many rural households”.

“For many families, cashew farming puts food on their table, pays school fees and drives the rural economy”, the President stated.

President Mahama expressed concern about the absence of a structured policy to guide the development of the cashew sector, highlighting an urgent need for a comprehensive regulatory and developmental support for the sector.

In that regard, the President announced plans to establish the Cashew Development Board, which he added would be responsible for overseeing pricing mechanisms, regulation, market access, processing, and research.

“The Board will serve as a vehicle to empower farmers and thereby stabilize the cashew sector in ensuring that they get the value they deserve”, he stated, saying his government would partner the private sector for the establishment of a processing factory in the region.

The President said that interventions were in line with a broader vision to revolutionize agriculture, enhance rural livelihoods and build resilient local economies