Mr Tsonam Akpeloo, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has stressed the need to prioritize local raw materials in production.
He said Ghana’s heavy reliance on imports continues to pose serious economic challenges, including currency depreciation and a widening trade deficit.
According to him, sourcing raw materials locally would ease pressure on the Cedi while strengthening the country’s industrial base.
He also highlighted how Ghana’s supply chain vulnerabilities were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the urgency of reducing dependence on imports.
Mr Akpeloo further called for immediate government intervention through the newly established Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry.
He emphasized that shifting towards local raw material use is critical for long-term economic stability and industrial growth.
“Over the years, AGI has expressed concerns about the high rate of imported goods, arguing that it weakens local industries and contributes to inflation”, he said.
Beyond economic stability, Mr Akpeloo noted that increasing the use of local raw materials would create jobs, stimulate growth, and reduce the country’s vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.
He urged stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to invest in local production capabilities and infrastructure, ensuring that Ghana can build a more self-sufficient and resilient economy.
