{
  "id": 15799998,
  "title": "Trade Minister engages cement and battery firms to boost local manufacturing and jobs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/trade-minister-engages-cement-and-battery-firms-to-boost-local",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-20T21:08:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Joy Business",
    "slug": "joy-business",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/trade-minister-engages-cement-and-battery-firms-to-boost-local-manufacturing-and-jobs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, met with representatives from CIMPOR Cement Africa, Huaguang New Energy Battery Ghana, and Zema New Energy Limited on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, to discuss initiatives aimed at bolstering local manufacturing and job creation. At the meeting, the focus was on measures that would strengthen Ghanaian manufacturing, increase the use of locally sourced materials, and foster job growth. During discussions with CIMPOR Cement Africa's CEO, Yasin Tekinarslan, the Minister explored the possibility of offering tax relief for the local production and utilization of calcined clay. This proposal aims to reduce the nation's reliance on imported clinker and promote the use of Ghanaian resources. The Minister emphasized the potential of calcined clay to aid in addressing Ghana's housing deficit and make affordable housing more attainable. Additionally, she met with Huaguang New Energy Battery Ghana to discuss workers' welfare and quality standards, reaffirming the government's dedication to supporting local manufacturing efforts.",
  "summary": "The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has engaged three companies in the cement, battery and renewable energy sectors on measures to strengthen local manufacturing, increase the use of Ghanaian raw materials and create jobs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare met with cement and battery firms leaders.",
    "Discussed initiatives to boost local manufacturing and jobs.",
    "Proposed tax relief for calcined clay production in Ghana."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Trade Minister engages cement and battery firms to boost local manufacturing and jobs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/trade-minister-engages-cement-and-battery-firms-to-boost-local-15805555",
        "published": "2026-10-20T21:08:13.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}