John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a $250 million float glass manufacturing project at Shama, describing it as tangible evidence that Ghana’s industrial revival is gaining momentum.

Addressing a ceremony that featured the sod-cutting for the new float glass plant, the commissioning of a sanitary ware factory and the inauguration of Phase Five of a ceramic tile production line, the President said the developments mark a deliberate transition from import dependence to export-driven industrialisation.

He stressed that Ghana is determined to move beyond an import-led model by prioritising local production, processing and manufacturing for export.

The float glass facility will produce 600 tonnes per day under Phase One and 800 tonnes under Phase Two, bringing total daily capacity to 1,400 tonnes. At full capacity, the plant is expected to generate close to $100 million in annual export earnings.

President Mahama noted that Ghana imported more than 65,000 tonnes of glass in 2024 at a cost of nearly $25 million, adding that the new plant will significantly reduce imports, conserve foreign exchange and position the country as a leading exporter within the sub-region.

He also highlighted the expansion of the ceramic tile factory, which now produces 200,000 square metres daily and exports approximately 60 per cent of its output to over 20 countries.

On the fiscal impact, the President disclosed that the investing company paid GH¢740 million in taxes in 2025, with projected annual tax contributions expected to exceed GH¢1 billion from next year. He noted that such revenues are critical to financing infrastructure and social services, including schools, hospitals and roads.

To further boost industrial growth, President Mahama announced duty- and tax-free incentives on capital equipment for factories operating under the government’s 24-hour economy policy, aimed at encouraging expansion and retooling.

He emphasised that the projects reflect Ghana’s stable and investor-friendly environment and are expected to create more than 2,000 direct jobs, in addition to thousands of indirect employment opportunities. Structured skills transfer programmes will also ensure greater participation and leadership by Ghanaian professionals.

Referencing the industrial vision of Kwame Nkrumah, the President underscored the importance of production and exports in building a resilient economy and a strong currency.

He officially declared the float glass project launched and the new factory expansions operational, describing the occasion as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s industrial resurgence.