The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged the government to ensure a seamless transition for businesses currently benefiting from the One District, One Factory (1D1F) policy into the new 24-hour economy initiative.
According to the AGI, a smooth handover is necessary to prevent disruptions to operations, growth, and employment in industries that have invested heavily under the 1D1F programme.
Speaking at the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition 2025, AGI President, Mr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, called on government to sustain the tax exemptions granted under the previous administration’s 1D1F policy.
He argued that extending such incentives under the 24-hour economy would boost industrial expansion and create more jobs.
“Incentives for industries are a necessity, such as the tax exemption regime that can trigger the expansion of businesses. And I say this with reference to some of the recent developments surrounding the 1D1F policy, of which a number of our members are still beneficiaries. We expect that for such beneficiaries, there will be a smooth transition from the 1D1F policy to more beneficial incentives under the 24-hour economy policy to prevent disruptions in our business activities,” Mr. Ayim-Darke said.
The AGI President also raised alarms about the rising influx of parallel imports, which he said is undermining the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
“Local manufacturers are increasingly under pressure due to the surge in availability and the cheaper imported parallel products. This development is creating an uneven playing field, making it difficult for domestic industries to remain competitive. These products evade appropriate checks, giving them an artificial cost advantage. We urge the regulatory bodies to enforce their mandates to correct such market failures,” he cautioned.
On broader industrial challenges, Mr. Ayim-Darke called for balanced electricity tariff pricing to guarantee both fair competitiveness and reliable supply. He argued that affordable and stable power was critical for sustaining production and enabling industries to thrive under the 24-hour economy framework.
The AGI stressed that while industry remains committed to supporting Ghana’s economic transformation, a carefully managed transition and fair business environment are essential to protect investments, secure jobs, and sustain growth.
