The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has commissioned the B5 Plus Steel Ball Mill and Section Mill Manufacturing Plant at Lakpleku Village, describing the project as a major step toward Ghana’s industrial transformation.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said the plant represents a strategic shift from raw material exportation to local processing and manufacturing, in line with government’s broader industrialisation agenda.
“Today is not just the opening of a factory. It is the commissioning of confidence, capacity and Ghana’s industrial destiny,” he stated.
Mr. Buah noted that although Ghana is richly endowed with mineral resources including iron ore, manganese, bauxite, gold and limestone, the country’s development conversation has historically centred on extraction rather than value addition.
“For too long, our national conversation has centred on extraction. But today, we celebrate transformation,” he said.
He explained that the Steel Ball Mill and Section Mill plant would enable Ghana to process raw materials locally, build downstream industries and create skilled jobs for Ghanaians.
According to him, producing steel balls locally for mining operations will reduce imports, conserve foreign exchange and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
The Minister indicated that the project aligns with key government policies, including the 24-Hour Economy industrial strategy, import substitution policy, strategic anchor industry development and local content frameworks.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, working with the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC) and other stakeholders, is committed to structured iron ore development, transparent mineral allocation, responsible mining practices and downstream integration into steel manufacturing.
“Extraction without processing is incomplete development. Processing without industrial integration is wasted opportunity,” he emphasised.
Mr. Buah, who is also Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, stressed the need for responsible and sustainable industrial growth. He called on modern steel manufacturers to prioritise energy efficiency, emissions control, waste recycling and innovation.
“The future of industry is green industry,” he stated, adding that Ghana’s industrial expansion must be environmentally sound and technologically advanced.
He commended B5 Plus for investing in modern production systems and urged the private sector to invest boldly, innovate responsibly and partner strategically with government.
The Minister also encouraged structured training partnerships between industry and technical universities to deepen Ghana’s metallurgical and industrial engineering skills.
He noted that the presence of the Indian High Commissioner at the event reflected strong Ghana–India industrial cooperation, but stressed that partnerships must prioritise Ghanaian value addition, job creation and local retention of value.
Mr. Buah described the commissioning as part of a broader national industrial ecosystem that includes local steel production for housing, rail and transport corridors, oil and gas fabrication, renewable energy infrastructure and agricultural mechanisation.
“When steel is made locally, national development accelerates,” he said.
He concluded by stating that the commissioning marks a milestone in Ghana’s industrial journey and demonstrates that the 24-Hour Economy agenda is operational.
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