Ministry of Trade & Industry - MOTI

GOV'T MOVES TO VALIDATE NATIONAL AGRIBUSINESS POLICY FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH
The Government is taking decisive steps to reset Ghana’s agribusiness sector with the validation of a Draft National Agribusiness and Agro-Processing Policy aimed at promoting inclusive growth, investment, and commercial farming.
Speaking at the National Agribusiness Policy Validation Workshop in Accra on Friday, 19th December, 2025, the Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi underscored government’s commitment to shifting Ghana’s agricultural sector from subsistence practices to a business-driven, value-oriented agribusiness ecosystem.
According to him, the policy is intended to provide clear direction for agribusiness development by focusing on the commercial aspects of farming, trade, and agro-processing, stressing that agriculture must go beyond production to address value addition, markets, and sustainability.
Hon. Ahi urged stakeholders to expedite actions towards finalising the policy, noting that government was keen on completing the process within the shortest possible time. He said although the initial expectation was to have the policy ready for Cabinet consideration before the end of the year, he would push for it to be presented at the first Cabinet meeting in 2026 if timelines were not met.
The Deputy Minister called on all participants to give their best during the validation process to ensure the development of a strong, coherent, and results-oriented agribusiness policy.
He emphasised the need for collaboration among technical experts, policymakers, and private sector players to produce a policy that is practical, implementable, and capable of delivering tangible outcomes, noting that the government’s objective is to stimulate economic growth through agribusiness-led industrialisation.
Also addressing participants, the Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Group, Mr. Daniel Acquaye, recounted the extensive stakeholder engagement process that began in July 2025, including national and regional dialogues across Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Northern, Volta, and Oti regions.
He explained that the policy development process brought together industry players, development partners, academia, policy experts, agribusiness processors, and farmer groups, allowing grassroots voices to shape the policy framework.
Mr. Acquaye outlined key questions guiding the validation process, including whether the policy would provide clear direction, address systemic challenges such as post-harvest losses, unlock investment opportunities, promote inclusivity, and drive transformative change rather than marginal improvements.
He praised the Ministry, particularly the Sector Minister, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare and the Deputy Minister, for their hands-on leadership and commitment to ensuring the policy is completed within a reasonable timeframe.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the Director for Agribusiness at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr. Kwame Oppong-Ntim, explained the Ministry found it critical to develop a single, comprehensive policy framework to guide agribusiness and agro-processing activities nationwide.
Mr. Oppong-Ntim revealed that the draft policy was developed through extensive national and regional consultations involving both public and private sector stakeholders. He noted that the validation workshop was convened to ensure that all regional and national priorities had been adequately captured in the document.
“The essence of this validation is to scrutinise the draft policy and provide the necessary feedback to make it comprehensive and robust enough to stand the test of time,” he said.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, development partners, industry associations, and policy experts. Activities included presentations on the draft policy’s objectives and key highlights, breakout group discussions across thematic areas, and plenary sessions to consolidate stakeholder inputs.
The validation exercise is expected to mark the final phase before the policy undergoes expert review and submission for Cabinet consideration, paving the way for a more coordinated, inclusive, and investment-driven agribusiness sector in Ghana.

TRADE MINISTRY MARKS CHRISTMAS WITH FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS; COMMISSIONS TWO STAFF BUSES TO EASE TRANSPORT BURDEN
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MOTAI) on Monday, 22 December 2025, held a colourful Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the forecourt of the Ministry, bringing management and staff together in the spirit of Christmas, reflection and gratitude.
Delivering the Christmas message, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), described the gathering as a joyful family moment and a fitting way to close the year.
She noted that the Christmas season serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude, community and renewal, while offering the Ministry an opportunity to give thanks after months of dedicated service to the nation.
The Minister commended management and staff for their dedication, professionalism and resilience throughout the year, acknowledging that many contributions were made quietly behind the scenes but had significantly impacted the Ministry’s performance and that of its agencies.
She observed that the values highlighted through the lessons and carols, hope, humility, service and renewal strongly align with the Ministry’s mandate of supporting enterprise, strengthening agribusiness, promoting industry and facilitating trade to improve livelihoods and advance national development.
Recognising staff not only as Civil servants but also as individuals with families and personal responsibilities, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare encouraged them to use the festive season to rest, reconnect with loved ones and return refreshed for the year ahead.
She expressed confidence that sustained collaboration, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose would enable the Ministry to meet its demanding tasks in the coming year.
As a gesture of appreciation and honouring her earlier promise presenting one bus , the Minister announced the provision of two new staff buses to ease commuting challenges exceeding her initial commitment of one bus.
Speaking on the purpose of the gathering, the Director of Human Resource, Mrs. Caroline Chapman Agyeman, described the event as more than a routine end-of-year activity, noting that it was intended to strengthen connections, celebrate achievements and foster togetherness among staff.
According to her, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols created a space for staff to feel appreciated and inspired, while enjoying moments of fellowship through music, shared reflections and interaction outside the usual work environment.
She encouraged participants to engage fully in the programme and celebrate one another as a community, extending Christmas wishes and a prosperous 2026 to all staff.
The programme featured nine scripture readings from both the Old and New Testaments, interspersed with well-loved Christmas carols led by the Ghana Prisons Regimental Band, the MOTAI Choir, and soloists.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols once again underscored MOTAI’s commitment to nurturing a united workforce anchored in shared values, gratitude and service as the Ministry prepares for the year ahead.
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PR & COMMS UPDATES - MOTAI

TRADE MINISTRY FACILITATES AGREEMENT TO STABILISE GHANA'S TOMATO TRADE VALUE CHAIN
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI), with strategic support from the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), has successfully brokered a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between two key players in Ghana’s domestic tomato trade, marking a major step toward stability and coordination within the sector.
The agreement, signed on December 22, 2025, brings together the Ghana National Tomato Traders and Transporters Association (GNTTTA) and the Ghana Cargo Owners and Tomato Traders Association (GCOTTA) to resolve a longstanding dispute that had disrupted the tomato value chain since May 2023.
The formal signing ceremony, held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra, effectively brings closure to a protracted standoff that began following a petition submitted by GCOTTA to the Inspector-General of Police. The MoU establishes a unified framework to guide coordination, distribution, and trade of tomatoes across the country.
The consensus was reached through intensive mediation led by MoTAI’s Domestic Trade Directorate, headed by Mrs. Cynthia Djokoto, with critical support from the Ghana Police Service-MTTD. The MTTD was represented by the Director-General of Administration, Commissioner of Police (COP) David Agyemang Adjem, on behalf of the Director-General of MTTD.
COP Adjem expressed satisfaction with the resolution, describing the agreement as a significant milestone in fostering peace and collaboration within the tomato trade. He underscored the need for strict adherence to the terms of the MoU and assured stakeholders of the Police Service’s continued commitment to providing timely intervention and support should challenges arise.
Officials from MoTAI reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to resolving value-chain disputes through dialogue and partnership, noting that the agreement aligns with government efforts to stabilise tomato supply and pricing nationwide.
*Key Objectives of the MoU*
The MoU is designed to build trust, enhance transparency, and promote sustainable practices within the tomato value chain. Its key objectives include the establishment of coordinated and transparent pricing mechanisms, improved logistics planning and transport scheduling, reduced market losses arising from oversupply, enhanced market access and operational efficiency for traders and cargo owners, and the institution of regular dialogue and structured dispute resolution mechanisms.
Representatives of both GNTTTA and GCOTTA expressed optimism that the agreement would reduce friction, promote fairness, and support the long-term sustainability of the sector.
Commenting on the development, Mrs. Cynthia Djokoto described the agreement as a turning point for the industry. “The formalisation of cooperation between GNTTTA and GCOTTA is a critical milestone in addressing longstanding challenges within Ghana’s tomato value chain. We anticipate that effective implementation of this MoU will improve supply reliability, enhance price stability, and significantly reduce post-harvest losses, thereby strengthening the domestic agribusiness sector,” she said.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has assured both associations of continued support and oversight to ensure full compliance and successful implementation of the agreed commitments.
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PR & COMMS UPDATES - MOTAI

GHANA OFFICIALLY ACCEDES TO THE ADVISORY CENTRE ON WTO LAW (ACWL)
On Thursday 18th December, 2025, in Geneva, H.E. Emmanuel Asiedu Antwi, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations Office, the WTO and other International Organizations formally signed the Protocol of Accession of the Republic of Ghana to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law (ACWL).
Ghana’s accession to the ACWL marks a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s capacity to effectively participate in the multilateral trading system.
Membership of the ACWL will enhance Ghana’s access to high-quality legal advice, training, and support on WTO law, including dispute settlement, thereby reinforcing Ghana’s ability to safeguard its trade and development interests.
This achievement reflects Ghana’s commitment to a rules-based, inclusive, and development-oriented multilateral trading system, and aligns with ongoing efforts by the government to strengthen trade governance, promote export diversification, and support industrialisation and MSME development.
The Government of Ghana expresses its sincere appreciation to the Advisory Centre on WTO Law for its cooperation, and to the Government and People of Norway for their generous financial support, which made Ghana’s accession possible.
Special recognition is extended to Honourable Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, whose vision, leadership, and determination were instrumental in ensuring that this important milestone was achieved before the close of the year, demonstrating strong political commitment and effective coordination.
The Government of Ghana looks forward to a strong and productive partnership with the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, particularly in building legal expertise, supporting dispute settlement engagement, and reinforcing confidence in a fair, rules-based multilateral trading system.
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PR & COMMS UPDATE - MOTAI