I am very worried – Alan Kyerematen on cancellation of 1D1F

Former Trade and Industry Minister and founder of the United Party (UP), Alan Kyerematen, has expressed concern over what he describes as the abandonment of projects established under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr Kyerematen said many of the projects were intended to become engines of local manufacturing and job creation, and should instead have received further support to enable them to contribute to the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

“I am very worried that 1D1F projects have been abandoned. Because, as of the time I left office, there were about 300 projects nationwide,” he said.

Mr Kyerematen questioned why the government did not build on the investments already made under the programme by providing the necessary support to companies to expand their operations.

“So can you imagine if the NDC in 2025 had continued and supported the companies? They should have looked for ways to support these factories so that they can contribute to the 24-hour economy. But with the cancellation, when are they going to support the private sector?” he questioned.

The erstwhile Akufo-Addo-led administration designed the 1D1F programme as a private-sector-led industrialisation initiative, with government providing incentives and support to businesses rather than owning all the factories.

Official records show that 296 projects were at various stages of implementation by June 2023, including 126 operational companies and 143 under construction.

However, Mr Kyerematen disclosed that the programme faced challenges even within the NPP government that introduced it.

“Even within the NPP, there was internal sabotage. Because why would the policy be taken to the Office of the President for an industrialisation policy to be managed from there?” he asked.

He said he resisted the arrangement because of his conviction that the policy needed to be properly managed and implemented.

“I am not soft, so I insisted it was wrong, and I was resolute that even if there was no money, I would do my best and make it happen,” he stated.

He further raised concerns about the fate of the business resource centres established to support entrepreneurs and 1D1F companies.

“We built 67 resource centres but all these have been abandoned by the NDC.”

He alleged that some of the centres had subsequently been allocated to other institutions, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

Official records confirm that 67 Business Resource Centres were established to provide business-development support to 1D1F and other companies.

Also read:

• Some abandoned 1D1F factories converted into churches – Local Gov’t Minister

• Minority rejects ‘fictitious’ 1D1F audit, demands retraction and fair review

• If 1D1F worked, unemployment would be solved – GNCCI boss