Gov’t begins stakeholders dialogue on scrap export ban to boost local industry

Ahead of the impending ban on the export of scrap metal, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Madam Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has initiated a critical dialogue with key players in the sector to address their concerns and ensure a smooth transition.

The meeting, held today, brought together importers, exporters, and scrap dealers to discuss the policy’s potential impact on their operations. The engagement served as a platform for stakeholders to voice their apprehensions as the government moves to implement what it describes as a strategic intervention for local industrial growth.

A central theme of the discussions was the need for a fair and transparent pricing mechanism within the industry. Madam Ofosu-Adjare assured stakeholders that the government is committed to ensuring that exporters are not subjected to unreasonable costs when sourcing materials. She encouraged industry players to actively contribute ideas to help establish a sustainable and equitable pricing structure that benefits all parties.

The Minister reiterated that the upcoming export ban is not merely a restrictive measure but a deliberate strategy to retain valuable raw materials for domestic industries. By keeping scrap metal within the country, the government aims to stimulate local value addition, bolster manufacturing, and ultimately create more jobs for Ghanaians.

“This is about building a robust industrial base for our country,” Madam Ofosu-Adjare explained. “We want to move from being mere exporters of raw materials to creators of finished goods. This policy is designed to feed our local industries and promote the ‘Ghana Rising’ agenda.”

With the policy officially set to take effect on April 1, 2026, the Minister issued a firm warning to all exporters regarding compliance. She stated that the directive would be strictly enforced and cautioned against any attempts to ship scrap metal through the nation’s ports after the deadline.

The government has pledged to carefully consider the feedback and concerns raised during the engagement as it works to stabilize the sector. This collaborative approach underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the nation’s economic growth is inclusive and sustainable, balancing the needs of businesses with the long-term objectives of the country’s industrialisation agenda.