Cabinet Restricts Export of Scrap Metals, Raw Rubber to Support Local Industry
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Cabinet Approves Restrictions on Export of Scrap Metals and Raw Rubber to Protect Local Industries
January 27, 2026
Cabinet has approved restrictions on the export of non-ferrous scrap metals and raw natural rubber as part of measures to protect domestic industries and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for local manufacturers.
The decision forms part of the government’s Feed the Industry Programme, which seeks to strengthen local manufacturing by guaranteeing sustainable access to critical industrial inputs.
The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, announced the policy on Wednesday while addressing the media during the Ministry’s presentation at the Accountability Series at Jubilee House.
“Cabinet has approved the restriction of exports of non-ferrous scrap metals and raw natural rubber to protect domestic industries,” the Minister stated, explaining that the move is aimed at safeguarding local manufacturers who depend heavily on these materials.
The decision follows growing concerns that the unregulated export of scrap metals and raw rubber has deprived local industries of essential inputs, forcing some manufacturers to import raw materials at higher costs or scale down production.
The Feed the Industry Programme is one of eight priority initiatives being implemented by the Ministry to drive industrial growth, economic transformation, and job creation. Under the programme, the government has also secured 40,000 acres of land for large-scale contract farming to boost the production of agricultural raw materials.
Minister Ofosu-Adjare noted that President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for the Trade, Agribusiness and Industry sectors is anchored on six key objectives, including accelerating manufacturing growth, positioning agribusiness as a catalyst for economic transformation, and structuring the informal economy for sustainable development.
The export restrictions are expected to benefit local industries such as metal fabrication, rubber processing, and manufacturing, where access to affordable raw materials is critical to competitiveness.
The policy also aligns with the government’s broader agenda to reduce the cost of doing business, attract investment, and revitalise Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
In furtherance of these goals, the Ministry of Trade and Industry was realigned to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry through Executive Instrument (E.I.) 1 of 2025, enabling more comprehensive reforms.
Beyond the export restrictions, the government is implementing the Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Initiative, which includes drafting major industrial policies for textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and special economic zones.
The Minister disclosed that stakeholder engagements have been held across sectors such as cement, textiles and garments, sanitary products, automotive spare parts, and food and beverages to address challenges and enhance local production capacity.
Government priorities for the year also include the establishment of 24-hour business registration centres, drafting consumer protection and competition bills, expanding agro-processing plants nationwide, and supporting Ghanaian firms to fully leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
