Seth Twum Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged local industries to increase production so importation into the country will be reduced.
“If we produce locally and increase production, we will create employment, improve livelihoods and health of the people as well as earn the country foreign exchange since we will be exporting” he said.
He noted that about 70 percent of the items consumed in the country are imported and that tells a story. “if there is a pandemic, and the countries are closing their borders where are we going to get the supplies” he asked.
Currently, he said the Ministry of Trade and Industry and AGI have selected about 23 different products that can be conveniently produce in the country to limit the importation.
“Therefore, to find a way of limiting the importation into the country, we are starting with three, and these are; poultry rice and fruit juices. We believe if it works well, it will be to the benefit of the local producers” he added.
Mr. Akwaboah, was speaking at the 20th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the AGI for Western and Central Regions in Takoradi.
It was on the theme “Harnessing public private partnership for local level development”.
He pointed out a lot of the big companies that are producing get their raw materials through importation.
“We think that some of the products which are agro related can be sort locally, some are doing it but there are a lot to be done. Nestle is sourcing it maize production from the North among others. We need to look at the value chain and make sure we create opportunity for our local businesses”, he added.
He urged companies to harness opportunities that are abound to be able expand and sustain their businesses.
Joseph Garbrah, Western and Central Regional Chairman of AGI noted that businesses have faced some challenges in recent years.
“There is the need to for innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to navigate this changing landscape”, he added.
He called for public-private collaboration in accelerating sustainable businesses in the Western and Central regions and the country as a whole.
“In a world in flux, it is collaboration that has the power to transform adversity into opportunity, helping businesses thrive and our community prosper” he concluded.
