Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has unveiled plans to introduce a policy mandating state agencies to procure essential goods exclusively from local producers.
This move aims to bolster Ghana’s industrial sector, create jobs, and reduce dependence on imports.
Dr. Forson expressed concern over Ghana’s continued reliance on imported basic commodities, such as sugar and rice, despite the country’s capacity for domestic production.
He emphasized this point during a meeting with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) leadership, stressing the need to support local industries.
“To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally,” Dr. Forson stated.
“This will ensure that government procurement serves as a tool to develop our industries. Going forward, any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President,” he added.
He also tackled the urgent need to halt goods smuggling, which he believes is crippling local businesses, adding that the government has identified key smuggling routes and will soon roll out strict measures to stop the influx of smuggled goods that unfairly compete with locally manufactured products.
For the broader industrial strategy, Dr. Forson called for a working session with industry operators to explore how local businesses can participate in the flagship policy of government’s 24-hour economy program to drive production and economic expansion.
The AGI President, Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, endorsed the government’s commitment and dedication to supporting local industries.
He commended Dr. Forson”s budget policies and expressed optimism that continued engagement between the government and industry would lead to tangible improvements in Ghana’s industrial sector.
The upcoming mandatory local procurement policy is expected to provide a significant boost to Ghanaian manufacturers, ensuring that government spending contributes directly to the growth of local businesses and the expansion of the country’s economy.
