The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced plans to roll out a policy that will require all state agencies to procure some essential goods only from local producers.
Dr. Forson expressed concern about the country’s continued importation of basic commodities, such as sugar and rice, despite having the capacity to produce them domestically.
Dr. Forson noted this during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) held to strengthen the country’s industrial sector, create jobs, and reduce dependency on imports.
“To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally. This will ensure that government procurement serves as a tool to develop our industries, “he said, adding “Going forward, any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President”.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the urgent need to curb the smuggling of goods, which he said is crippling local businesses.
He revealed that the government has identified key smuggling routes and will soon announce strict measures to stop the influx of smuggled goods that unfairly compete with locally manufactured products.
As part of the broader industrial strategy, Dr. Forson called for a working session with industry leaders to explore how local businesses can actively participate in the government’s 24-hour economy programme to drive production and economic expansion.
AGI President, Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting local industries. He praised the minister’s budget policies and expressed optimism that continued engagement between government and industry would lead to tangible improvements in Ghana’s industrial sector.
The upcoming mandatory local procurement policy is expected to provide a significant boost to Ghanaian manufacturers, ensuring that government spending contributes directly to the growth of local businesses and the expansion of the national economy.
citibusinessnews.com
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