The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has unveiled a plan that will mandate all state agencies to purchase certain essential goods exclusively from local producers. He raised concerns over the nation’s persistent reliance on importing everyday items like sugar and rice, even though domestic production capacity exists.
Dr. Forson made these remarks during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), a meeting aimed at bolstering the country’s industrial sector, creating employment opportunities, and reducing import dependency.
He stated: “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.” Adding further, he said: “Going forward, any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President.”
The Finance Minister also underscored the critical need to tackle the smuggling of goods, pointing out that such activities are debilitating to local businesses. He mentioned that the government has pinpointed major smuggling routes and will soon introduce stringent measures to halt the influx of smuggled products that undercut locally made goods.
In line with the broader industrial strategy, Dr. Forson advocated for a collaborative session with industry leaders to discuss how local businesses could actively engage in the government’s 24-hour economy programme, thereby stimulating production and economic growth.
AGI president Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, welcomed the government’s initiative to bolster local industries. He commended the minister’s budget policies and expressed optimism that sustained dialogue between the government and the industrial sector would yield substantial improvements in Ghana’s manufacturing landscape.
The forthcoming mandatory local procurement policy is anticipated to significantly benefit Ghanaian manufacturers, ensuring that government expenditure directly contributes to the growth of local businesses and the national economy.
