The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has called on the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to play a leading role in driving Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, stressing that the private sector remains the backbone of the country’s economic growth.
Speaking at the investiture ceremony of the newly elected AGI President and national executives in Accra, Mr. Debrah urged the association to go beyond conventional approaches and champion innovative strategies that will position Ghana as a manufacturing hub in the sub-region.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, assuring that policies and regulations are being streamlined while investments are being made in infrastructure, energy, transport, and digital networks to support industrial growth. According to him, the goal is to equip Ghanaian industrialists to compete effectively on the global market.
The new AGI leadership is headed by Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, a respected pharmacist and industrialist. At the ceremony, he outlined a bold and inclusive vision aimed at transforming Ghana’s industrial and economic landscape.
Dr. Nsiah-Poku acknowledged the difficult operating environment facing AGI members, pointing to high energy costs, limited access to affordable credit, and challenges with trade competitiveness, including competition from cheaper imports and difficulties accessing international markets.
Despite these challenges, he said they also present opportunities for innovation and strategic rethinking, noting that the association intends to turn these pressures into drivers of growth.
A major focus of his administration will be on supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). He stressed that for Ghana’s economy to truly grow, industrial development must be inclusive and ensure that smaller businesses are not left behind.
To this end, he pledged to advocate for concessionary credit facilities tailored for industry players, push for improved production processes, and support SMEs and women entrepreneurs through capacity building. He explained that by securing lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms, AGI hopes to empower local manufacturers to expand their operations and strengthen their presence in the market.
Source: 3news
