Industries pledge to work with next govt

AHEAD of the crucial December 7, 2024 general elections, industries have expressed readiness to partner any incoming government which is committed to fast-track the economic development of the country with a special focus on deep and high value addition.

With a bold new approach, the industries led by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) insist that there was the need to deliberately grow manufacturing and agriculture as a twin strategic tool to support the development of the economy.

Towards that, the AGI has successfully made some inputs into the manifestoes of the major political parties ahead of the upcoming elections.

The association explained that fostering a symbiotic relationship between these two sectors (manufacturing and agriculture), the country would be able to unlock its full potential, ensure a steady supply of raw materials for industries and drive economic prosperity.

It said the situation where the country was often over-reliant on imports, including raw materials for industries, hinders progress of businesses and the economy in general.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the association, Seth Twum-Akwaboah, who made this known to the media at the launch of the 13th AGI Ghana Industry and Quality Awards in Accra, stated that the government must prioritise deeper value addition through local production to help boost business growth and profitability.

“With the next government, we want to see improvement in the business environment and we seek a different approach this time, we want to see constant engagement to collaboratively develop the economy.

“And so, after the new government takes office in 2025, we will ensure that the key interventions made by industry and captured in the winning government’s manifesto are put into action; as we are prepared to support whoever is in power and be a collaborative partner for economic growth,” he added.

The launch

The AGI Ghana Industry and Quality Awards is an annual awards scheme designed to reward excellence and the application of internationally accepted quality standards among locally owned institutions in the field of manufacturing and service delivery.

On the theme: Navigating the uncertainties of our business landscape to sustain productivity,” the awards scheme is geared towards raising awareness, building and promoting strong Ghanaian business brands.

Scheduled for November 2, 2024, it is organised by the Association of Ghana Industries in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

Mr Twum-Akwaboah said the country found itself at a pivotal moment in the global business landscape, marked by profound challenges and uncertainties.

He said from geopolitical tensions and economic headwinds to technological disruptions and environmental challenges, the business environment had never been more dynamic or complex.

“Yet, amid these uncertainties, one thing remains constant: the need for businesses to adapt, innovate, and sustain productivity to thrive,” he said.

Deliberate effort

The Planning Committee Chairperson of the awards scheme, Dr Nora Bannerman-Abbott, stated that the AGI had made a deliberate effort to distinguish its awards from others.

“Many institutions continue to find value in our awards, leading to mutual partnerships with us, such as what we currently have with the Ghana Standards Authority.

“This partnership has created a slot for the GSA’s National Best Quality Award, which is part of the AGI Awards. The categories for this year include the Major Awards, the Sector Awards and the Regional Awards. A few honorary Awards will also be given out to deserving firms and personalities who stand out,” she said.

The Head of Systems Certification Department at the GSA, Dzienyo Akafia, commended AGI for its commitment to foster a culture of quality and for recognising the achievements of those who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to high quality local production.

Govt’s position

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, said it was time for industries to work hard to be competitive not only in Ghana but outside the jurisdiction.

This, he said, could be executed by operating within certain standards and production of quality product and services to attract both local and international customers.

Though there are difficulties, he said the government was putting in place the needed measures to create a conducive environment to support the growth of businesses.