The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has begun high-level consultations with players in Ghana’s scrap metal sector as part of efforts to implement a controversial ban on scrap metal exports without undermining livelihoods.
At a stakeholder meeting held on March 18, the Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, engaged importers, exporters, and dealers to address growing concerns over the policy and its potential impact on businesses across the value chain.
Balancing Policy with Livelihoods
The engagement provided a platform for industry players to raise critical concerns about the sustainability of their operations under the new regulatory framework.
Many stakeholders warned that while the export ban may serve national industrial goals, it could also disrupt incomes, especially for small-scale scrap dealers who depend on exports as their primary market.
In response, the Minister assured participants that government is committed to implementing the policy in a way that protects jobs while advancing long-term economic transformation.
Fair Pricing Takes Centre Stage
A major issue raised during the meeting was pricing within the scrap metal industry.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare stressed the need for fairness and transparency, cautioning against exploitative pricing practices that could disadvantage exporters forced to sell within the local market.
She tasked stakeholders to propose a workable pricing regime that will guide the Ministry in ensuring equity and stability across the sector.
Strict Enforcement Ahead of April Deadline
The Minister reiterated that the ban on scrap metal exports will take effect from April 1, 2026, and issued a strong warning against non-compliance.
She cautioned exporters not to attempt accessing the ports for shipment of scrap materials after the deadline, emphasizing that enforcement agencies will be vigilant.
The directive signals government’s resolve to ensure strict adherence to the policy as part of broader reforms in the sector.
Driving Industrialisation Through Local Value Addition
Government says the ban—particularly on non-ferrous metals—is intended to retain critical raw materials for local industries, boost domestic processing, and accelerate industrialisation.
By limiting exports of raw scrap, authorities aim to strengthen Ghana’s manufacturing base, create jobs, and increase value-added exports.
A Call for Inclusive Implementation
While the policy is expected to support long-term economic growth, stakeholders say its success will depend on inclusive implementation.
Analysts and industry players are calling for sustained dialogue, transparent pricing systems, and targeted support for vulnerable actors within the scrap value chain.
As Ghana pushes to build a more resilient and industrialised economy, the challenge remains clear: ensuring that reforms designed to drive national development do not leave behind the very people they seek to empower.
