President Mahama Commissions B5 Plus Phase 2 Expansion to Bolster Ghana’s Steel Industry and Job Creation

President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned the Phase 2 expansion of the B5 Plus Limited Steel Ball Mill and Manufacturing Plant in Ningo Prampram. This strategic project marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s industrial journey, aimed at drastically reducing the nation's reliance on imported steel products. By boosting local production capacity, the expansion is projected to cut annual steel imports by 20% to 30%, a move expected to save the country hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign exchange while strengthening the domestic manufacturing sector and fostering a more self-reliant economy.

B5 Plus Limited, which has grown to become the largest steel manufacturer in West Africa since its inception in 2002, currently employs thousands of people across its operations. The new expansion is set to further catalyze regional industrial growth, with the potential to create between 5,000 and 10,000 additional jobs. During the inauguration, the President highlighted that the facility's operations align with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, which seeks to maximize productivity and employment through fiscal reforms and sustained industrial activity.

Beyond job creation, the locally manufactured steel is intended to power critical infrastructure projects across the West African sub-region. President Mahama underscored the importance of industrial self-reliance, noting that local production is essential for a resilient economy. However, he also addressed existing challenges, calling on local authorities and traditional leaders to resolve land disputes and tenure issues that have historically hindered further industrial expansion. He emphasized that institutional support is vital to ensure that private enterprises can scale up without administrative bottlenecks.

The commissioning of the Phase 2 plant is viewed as a catalyst for a broader industrial revolution in Ghana. By fostering a more self-reliant economy, the government aims to position the country as a primary hub for steel production in West Africa. As B5 Plus continues to evolve, the emphasis remains on sustainable manufacturing practices and strong public-private partnerships to ensure that the industrial sector remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economic development and long-term stability.