Minister of Trade Assures Sunda Ghana of Government Support for 24-Hour Economy Implementation

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, has assured Sunda Ghana of the government’s unwavering support in implementing the 24-hour economy policy to stimulate industrial growth in the country.

The gave the assurance during a working tour of the company in Accra on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

While commending the company of the effort to reduce unemployment with the number of staff, Hon Ofosu-Agyare emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting businesses like Sunda Ghana in expanding their operations.

She praised the company for its impressive facilities, clean environment, and high industry standards.

Sunda Ghana, which currently employs nearly 4,000 people, operates on two shifts, and with the introduction of a 24-hour operational model, the company anticipates creating over 10,000 direct jobs.

This shift is expected to significantly boost local production, reduce the country’s reliance on imports, and support export growth.

Hon. Ofosu-Agyare highlighted three main areas where the government will assist Sunda Ghana.

According to her, the government will assist in import substitution which would help ramp up local production to reduce Ghana’s dependency on imported goods, such as diapers, sanitary pads, and hardware products.

On the 24-Hour Economy, she said the government is committed to helping businesses like Sunda Ghana take full advantage of the 24-hour economy package, which is expected to further enhance production capacity.

The sector Minister explained that as part of the government’s accelerated export development program, Sunda Ghana will have the opportunity to expand exports, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She assured the company of support in navigating the necessary rules of origin and other export requirements.

The Minister also addressed the issue of smuggling, particularly of inferior products such as substandard diapers and sanitary pads.

She said the government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), is taking decisive action to block loopholes in the smuggling network, helping to ensure the growth and competitiveness of local manufacturers.

Michael Kofi Baako, Managing Director of Sunda Ghana, expressed his appreciation for the government’s support, noting that the company’s operations are already significantly contributing to Ghana’s industrialization.

He reiterated that Sunda Ghana aims to make essential products like diapers and sanitary pads widely accessible to all Ghanaians, contributing to the country’s economic development.

The Managing Director also highlighted the challenges the company faces due to illegal imports, which undermine its competitiveness.

However, with the government’s support, Kofi Baako said Sunda Ghana is optimistic about expanding production capacity, creating more jobs, and increasing exports, which will also generate more foreign exchange.

“We believe that with continued government support, we will be able to achieve our goal of ensuring that all babies in Ghana use diapers and that all girls have access to sanitary pads,” Baako stated.

The Minister’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to building a robust manufacturing sector, which is seen as key to stabilizing the economy and reducing dependence on imports.