President Mahama Commissions B5 Plus Steel Ball Mill and Manufacturing Plant to Ignite Business Revolution

Ghana is taking a bold step toward industrial self-reliance with the commissioning of the B5 Plus Limited Steel Ball Mill and Manufacturing Plant Phase 2 expansion. This landmark project, officially inaugurated by President John Dramani Mahama, represents a pivotal move in reducing the country’s dependence on imported steel and strengthening its position in the West African industrial landscape.

A Strategic Move to End Ghana’s Steel Dependency

For decades, Ghana has relied heavily on imported steel to meet its construction, mining, and infrastructure needs. With annual steel consumption exceeding 1.2 million metric tons, this dependency has drained the nation’s foreign reserves and limited industrial growth. The B5 Plus expansion is designed to change that narrative by producing high-quality steel products locally, thereby cutting imports by an estimated 20-30% annually.

President Mahama emphasized that this initiative is more than just an infrastructure upgrade—it’s a strategic anchor for Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy. By enabling round-the-clock production, the Lakpleku plant is positioned to become a premier regional hub for the West African sub-region, driving both economic growth and industrial innovation.

B5 Plus: From Trading House to Industrial Powerhouse

Founded in 2002, B5 Plus Limited has grown from a small trading company into the largest steel manufacturing enterprise in West Africa. The Phase 2 expansion further cements its leadership, with the company now producing a diverse range of products including:

– **TMT Bars and Iron Rods**: Essential for the construction industry
– **Steel Balls**: High-demand consumables for mining and mineral processing
– **Structural Steel**: Beams, channels, and angles for large-scale engineering projects

With ISO 9001:2015 certification and a workforce of over 10,000 people (directly and indirectly employed), B5 Plus is recognized for its durability, quality, and ethical business practices across all ECOWAS countries.

Driving Employment and Skills Development

The new steel ball mill and manufacturing plant are expected to create between 5,000 and 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to vocational training and technical employment for Ghanaian engineers. This aligns with the government’s broader agenda to empower youth and build a skilled workforce capable of sustaining Africa’s industrial renaissance.

CEO Mukesh V. Thakwani envisions B5 Plus evolving into a fully integrated, technology-driven steel company that sets global standards for quality, investment, and corporate responsibility. His motto—”Made in Africa, for Africa and Beyond”—reflects the company’s commitment to regional value chain integration and sustainable growth.

The 24-Hour Economy in Action

The B5 Plus plant is a flagship participant in President Mahama’s 24-hour economy initiative, operating three shifts around the clock to maximize efficiency and minimize energy waste. This continuous production model is designed to reduce unit costs for consumers while boosting overall output.

To support this industrial push, the government has introduced several fiscal reforms, including the allocation of GH¢110 million in the 2026 budget to operationalize the 24-hour economy program. These measures underscore the administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for large-scale manufacturing and regional trade.

Addressing Land and Infrastructure Challenges

Despite the celebration, President Mahama acknowledged that further progress requires institutional support. He specifically urged local authorities to resolve “lingering land problems” that have previously hampered the company’s expansion plans. Addressing such bottlenecks is crucial for sustaining momentum and attracting further investment in Ghana’s industrial sector.

Contributing to Africa’s Industrial Renaissance

As the ceremony concluded, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to Africa’s broader industrial goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By producing high-quality steel locally and exporting to neighboring countries, B5 Plus is helping to reduce reliance on long-haul imports from Asia and Europe, while strengthening regional trade networks.

“This is regional value chain integration in real practice,” the President remarked, highlighting the project’s role in shifting Ghana from raw material exports to value-added manufacturing.

Conclusion

The commissioning of the B5 Plus Steel Ball Mill and Manufacturing Plant marks a transformative moment for Ghana’s economy. By reducing steel imports, creating thousands of jobs, and positioning the country as a regional industrial leader, this project is set to ignite a business revolution that benefits not only Ghana but the entire West African sub-region. As Africa continues its journey toward industrialization and self-reliance, initiatives like this demonstrate the power of public-private partnerships and visionary leadership in driving sustainable development.

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**Sources:**
– Life Pulse Daily
– Multimedia Group Limited
– Official statements from B5 Plus Limited
– Government of Ghana press releases