Private sector players have been urged to embrace innovation-driven technologies as a critical pathway to accelerate industrialisation and position Ghana as a globally competitive manufacturing hub.
The call was made at the 2025 Ghana Industries & Manufacturing Awards (GIMA), which recognised more than 21 individuals and companies for their contributions to the country’s economic and social progress. The event, organised by Imperial Communications, was held under the theme: “Innovation, Sustainability & Excellence: The Pillars of Ghana’s Industrial Growth.”
Industry leaders and award recipients highlighted the urgency of rethinking traditional business models and adopting technology to drive productivity and scale. “Innovation is not a luxury; it is a necessity for industrial transformation,” one awardee said. “If Ghana is serious about competing on the global stage, then innovation must be at the heart of our manufacturing and business ecosystems.”
The gathering also endorsed the government’s proposed 24-hour economy initiative, which is expected to boost employment and productivity. Speakers noted, however, that its success would depend on deliberate investment in technology, infrastructure, and business incentives. “Some companies have already embraced the 24-hour model, but with deliberate government support and tech-driven innovation, we can move faster and scale bigger,” another award recipient stressed.
The issue of high operational costs also came under focus, with repeated calls for reforms in taxation and port duties to create a more favourable environment for businesses. “The backbone of any thriving economy is a strong, empowered private sector,” an awardee from the technology sector remarked. “For Ghana to become a manufacturing powerhouse, we must not only reward excellence but also invest in the systems and technologies that make excellence possible.”
Imperial Communications, organisers of the awards, said the recognition was designed not only to celebrate leadership and resilience in industry but also to inspire broader transformation. “These awards are more than just recognition—they’re a call to action,” a representative said. “We are celebrating the pioneers who are proving that innovation and sustainability are not just buzzwords, but real levers for economic transformation.”
As Ghana looks to its industrial future, the message from GIMA 2025 was clear: only through innovation, sustainability, and strategic reforms can the country build a resilient and competitive manufacturing sector capable of sustaining long-term growth.
