The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) plans to launch a rating system to rate government ministers based on their performance and the impact of their policies on industries.
The system will assess how well resources are used, whether ministries deliver results, and how their actions support industrial growth. This initiative aims to promote accountability and help the president identify effective and underperforming ministers.
Unveiled at the 64th Annual General Meeting in Accra on November 13 on the theme: “Navigating the uncertainties of the business landscape to sustain productivity”, the rating system reflects AGI’s broader commitment to aligning government policies with the needs of the industrial sector.
As part of the announcement, Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darke, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), explained in an interview that, “This rating system will show whether ministers are truly achieving results or just wasting resources.”
Beyond the rating system, the AGM also addressed key challenges facing the industrial sector. The unstable macroeconomic environment, characterized by forex challenges and debt restructuring, has left many businesses navigating uncertainties. While recent months have shown signs of stability, Dr. Humphrey emphasized the importance of continued vigilance to sustain recovery and build confidence among industrial players.
One of the critical issues discussed was Ghana’s reliance on imports for finished and intermediary goods, which significantly impacts production costs. This dependency, coupled with fluctuating Bank of Ghana exchange rates, creates a ripple effect throughout the economy. “When you are using fuels to transport your product from the farm gate to the customer, the impact is much more significant as compared to the gain that the government made,” Dr. Humphrey noted, stressing how these dynamics affect industries and farmers alike.
He urged both major political parties to address this issue in the first policy paper of the 2025 budget, describing it as a vital step in managing market pressures and stabilizing the industrial landscape. “We want to see it in the first policy paper on the budget of twenty twenty-five,” he emphasized.
Another concern raised was the influx of substandard imports that undermine local products. They acknowledged that there have been recent interventions, such as the Ghana Standards Authority’s closure of substandard foam mattress operations. However, unfair practices continue to undermine local manufacturers, calling for sustained monitoring and tighter border controls to protect the industry. “These unfair practices continue to undermine local manufacturers, and we need 24/7 monitoring to protect our industries,” Dr. Humphrey highlighted.
Additionally, energy costs and power supply featured prominently during the discussions. Progress has been made to address the long-standing issue where industries subsidize residential electricity consumers. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure stable and affordable energy for industrial growth. Deliberate actions remain necessary to support this goal.
Taxation also came under scrutiny. The VAT waivers for textiles and sanitary pads were acknowledged as instrumental in boosting competitiveness for local manufacturers. However, the broader tax regime remains a concern, with the multiplicity of levies often counteracting these gains. “We need a tax structure that supports, rather than stifles, industrial growth,” Dr. Humphrey noted, calling for reforms that align taxation policies with industrial priorities.
Dr. Humphrey further underscored the need to rethink Ghana’s industrialization strategy. Focus must shift to growth pillars capable of generating multiplier effects across the economy. The importance of building local value chains to reduce import reliance was emphasized, alongside the role of partnerships with organizations like the EU, GIZ, UNIDO, and Mastercard Foundation, which have provided crucial funding and technical support.
Speakers and panellists at the plenary session included the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare; the Commissioner in charge of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Edward Apenteng Gyamerah; and the CEO of AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, among others.
