**Accra**: The Ghanaian government is set to enforce a policy mandating state agencies to procure essential goods from local producers, aiming to strengthen the industrial sector and reduce imports, announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a meeting with industry leaders.
The Ghanaian government is set to implement a new policy mandating all state agencies to exclusively procure certain essential goods from local producers. This initiative, designed to bolster the nation’s industrial sector, create employment opportunities, and diminish reliance on imports, was announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson during a recent meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Dr. Forson articulated the importance of a robust industrial base for national development, stating that while trade plays a role, it is crucial for Ghana to adopt targeted policies that promote local production. He raised concerns about the continued importation of basic commodities such as sugar and rice, despite the country’s capacity to produce these items domestically. “To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally,” he announced. This move aims to ensure that government procurement will become a tool for industry development.
Further outlining the new policy, Dr Forson mentioned that any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President. This step is part of a broader strategy to support local producers by reinforcing the domestic market.
In his address, Dr. Forson also highlighted the pressing issue of smuggling, which he claims is undermining local businesses. He stated that the government has identified key smuggling routes and will soon unveil strict measures to combat the influx of smuggled goods, which present unfair competition to locally manufactured products.
As part of the broader industrial strategy, Dr. Forson expressed the need for a working session with industry leaders to explore how local businesses can engage actively in the government’s 24-hour economy programme. This initiative aims to drive production and encourage economic growth.
Responding to the government’s commitment, AGI President Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke expressed support for the proposed local procurement policy. He praised the finance minister’s budget policies and conveyed optimism that ongoing dialogue between the government and industry would lead to substantial improvements in Ghana’s industrial landscape.
The anticipated mandatory local procurement policy is expected to significantly empower Ghanaian manufacturers, ensuring that government spending directly fosters the growth of local businesses and catalyses the expansion of the national economy.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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