Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has revealed that the erstwhile government's One District One Factory (1D1F) policy has been scrapped.

The minister announced this when she appeared before Parliament on Tuesday, June 8.

“Mr Speaker, I want to draw the House’s attention to the fact that as of now, there is no policy as 1D1F,” the minister said.

She added that “The 24-hour economy policy is the new thing on the block and the game changer, which seeks to make Ghana very vibrant irrespective of the minute of the hour or the time of the day.”

In reaction, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin quizzed “Is the ministry MOTAI exploring the establishment of new industrial parks as part of revised investment attraction strategy?”.

The Trade Minister replied: “We are doing agro-parks which seek to be a great game changer especially in the agro-processing zones and it is being worked on to ensure we are able to produce around the clock for import substitution, export, foreign exchange and to create jobs for our teeming youth."

Earlier this year, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare stated that the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) proposed 24-hour economy initiative will enhance the effectiveness of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) program.

During her appearance before the Appointments Committee on Wednesday, January 22 for vetting after her nomination, she underscored the shortage of sufficient raw materials as a major hurdle undermining the success of the 1D1F initiative.

She emphasized that the adoption of the NDC’s 24-hour economy policy would serve as a strategic measure to overcome this challenge.

She said “The solution lies in the 24-hour economy, where businesses will have access to a steady supply of raw materials. Agribusiness will play a crucial role through commercial contract farming, which will substantially resolve the raw material challenge" she said.

The Techiman North Member of Parliament further said, "These factories will benefit from tax holidays and other incentives under the 24-hour economy framework.”

The One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, introduced by former President Akufo-Addo, aimed to revolutionize Ghana's economy by minimizing dependence on raw material exports and imported finished products.

The program emphasized industrial growth, value enhancement, employment generation, and the export of refined goods.

Although several factories have been set up under the initiative, its progress has been hampered by numerous challenges.

Meanwhile, some 55 ministers and the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, are expected to appear before the House to respond to questions during the week.