Support local industries–Prez Kufuor

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Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called on government to continue to support the growth of local industries, as the country seeks to create indigenous large companies that can rival their foreign counterparts.

“And I believe government from now into the future, should work with the private sector. Government cannot do it alone. The private person with his initiative and risk taking, will make the profits. We should not envy them. We should rather encourage them to do more,” President Kufuor said.

He was speaking at the Thanksgiving Service of the Jospong Group of Companies, which coincided with the 79th birthday of the Ghana’s former leader on Friday, December 8, 2017.

Government in the 2017 budget announced the removal of various taxes it termed ‘nuisance’ and a stimulus package for some selected industries to free the private sector for growth.

The 2018 budget and economic policy statement of government also grants between 3-5 years tax holiday for start-ups owned by young entrepreneurs.

President Kufuor believes that a continuous support for local entrepreneurs and businesses such as the Jospong Group going forward, is the surest way of rapidly growing the economy.

President Kufuor commended the Jospong Group for its contribution to the country over the years, and urged successive governments to continue supporting the private sector to move the country forward.

“It was an integral part of the vision and policy of my government that the government should partner the private sector to do all the job society needs to be done for it,” he said.

Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Joseph Siaw Agyapong, lauded Ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor as a great leader for his support for local businesses during his government.

In his address, Mr. Agyepong wished President Kufuor a happy birthday and eulogized him for his support to the private sector and the Jospong Group in particular.

“As a motivational leader who set the pace for the golden age of business to the private sector, you offered opportunity to local businesses to partner government to grow their businesses. Having set the pace for the growth of the private sector, it is worth noting that the developmental path of motivating private sector players is extremely high on the agenda in the growth of our dear country.

Zoomlion, when it started, I was invited by President Kufuor who encouraged me, and I was motivated to do all that I could, and now, the company has metamorphosed into so many things, and we want to thank you. Today we are celebrating your birthday and we want to recognise you as the initiator of the welfare of this company and how far it has come, and we give thanks to you. God bless you,” Mr. Agyepong said.

In the year 2008, President Kufuor gave me an award–Order of the Volta. This shows recognising the deeds of the local entrepreneur. This man is a man of ideas to support the private sector,” Mr. Siaw Agyapong said.

Mr. Agyepong also took the opportunity to commend President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the steps his administration is also taking to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive.

He urged all business people to remain focused and to tap into the opportunities created by government to grow.

“We have leaders in Ghana who are poised in supporting local entrepreneurs. As in Nigeria where we have giants like the Dangotes and others, in Ghana too, God through this leadership, is bringing people out, and I want to announce to all businessmen and entrepreneurs in this country that this is our time for growth,” he added.

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