Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry sees Opportunity in a crisis

The Pandemic set the tone for Ghana’s Industrialization agenda

Robert Ahomka–Lindsay, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, has propositioned that the Manufacturing and Industrialization sector will pioneer the future of the Ghanaian economy. On this precedence, he said that the government will reposition the manufacturing sector to transit the economy from a gloomy state enshrined by the effect of the pandemic to that of a gay disposition.

The minister encapsulated his thoughts on the pandemic and the opportunities that could be deduced in the manufacturing sector at the 2020 Ghana Manufacturing Awards, which was organised by Xodus Communications and came off at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra.

Mr. Ahomka-Lindsay stressed that the pandemic presented the best opportunity for Ghana’s industrialization agenda.

“Government is ready to set the parameters for the manufacturing sector to prosper and flourish. Our economy is still based too much on exports of raw materials and imports of finished goods. As an economy and a people of 30 million, this is not fit for purpose.

“We need to realise that our destiny is on our own hands and that the future lies at the heart of manufacturing and industrialization,” he stated, noting that without manufacturing locally produced Personal Protective Equipment (PEE), the impact of COVID-19 on the health infrastructure would have been more devastating.

At the event, which observed strict  COVID-19 protocols, a handful of leaders in the sectors where esteemed for outstanding and excellent service in the industry.

• The evening saw Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre adjudged the Manufacturing Company of the Year, with its Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Amo-Tobin adjudged the CEO of the Year.
• Fabrimetal Ghana Limited walked away with two awards which included the Emerging Brand of the Year and the Best Growing Manufacturing Company of the Year. Gihoc Distilleries also won the Hand Sanitizer Manufacturing Company of the Year and Beverage Manufacturing Company of the Year.
• Producers of Bela Aqua, Blowchem Industries also walked away with Water Producing Company of the Year, with the Tema Lube Oil Company picking the Lube Manufacturing Company of the Year and the Excellence in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality award.
• Jay Kay Industries and Investment won the Paper Products Manufacturing Company of the Year and the Excellence in CSR award, with Nkulenu Industries also winning the Manufacturing Innovation Award.
• The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry was also given an honorary award for his leadership in the manufacturing sector.

Mr Richard Abbey, Events Director Xodus Communications, gave credence to the impact of the event.

The organization recognized the key players in the industry strata and seeks to award their excellent service.