Dr Charles Dwamena, the former Deputy Ambassador to China and aspiring NPP General Secretary, told Channel One TV’s Face to Face that Ghana should keep pushing the One District, One Factory (1D1F) programme launched under the Akufo‑Addo administration.
Speaking with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Tuesday, September 8, Dr Dwamena urged President John Dramani Mahama to expand access to financing for graduates and young people, citing China’s model of supporting start‑ups and industrial development.
He noted that Chinese youth receive practical skills, funding and industrial infrastructure, which reduce reliance on traditional jobs. “These are things that I’ve seen the Chinese do, and these are things that have yielded benefits for the Chinese,” he said.
Dr Dwamena suggested Ghana could adopt similar measures, such as making industrial zones available, facilitating equipment leasing and promoting technology transfer. “If it’s equipment, you can lease equipment. If it’s technology, you can have technology transferred to you,” he added.
Although he acknowledged that the industrialisation drive has not progressed as hoped, he stressed that the foundation has been laid and should be built upon. “If we continue, at least the foundation has been laid; the industrial revolution has commenced,” he said.
He expressed optimism that sustained investment could enable Ghana to catch up with some of the leading economies in Asia.
