‘I Am Very Worried’ – Kyerematen Laments Abandonment Of 1D1F Projects
UP leader Alan Kyerematen questions the reported abandonment of 1D1F projects and Business Resource Centres.
- Kyerematen says 1D1F projects have been abandoned.
- He calls for support for the factories to expand.
- He raises concerns over 67 Business Resource Centres.
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.
In an interview, Mr Kyerematen said many of the projects were intended to drive local manufacturing and create jobs.
“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 made under the programme by providing additional support to enable the companies to expand and contribute to the 24-hour economy agenda.
“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 asked.
The 1D1F programme was designed as a private-sector-led industrialisation initiative, with government providing incentives and other support to participating businesses. In June 2023, official figures showed 296 projects at various stages of implementation, comprising 126 operational companies, 143 under construction and 27 pipeline projects.
Mr Kyerematen also acknowledged that the programme faced challenges during the previous administration, alleging what he described as “internal sabotage” within the NPP government.
“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 questioned.
He further raised concerns about the current status of 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.
Mr Kyerematen also alleged that some of the centres had 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.
