It’s unacceptable that Ghana continues to import sugar and rice – Finance Minister tells AGI
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced a new policy requiring public sector agencies to procure essential goods from local producers. Aimed at reducing import dependency, boosting local industries, and creating jobs, the policy also includes strict approval for foreign procurement and tougher anti-smuggling measures. The Association of Ghana Industries welcomed the initiative, praising its potential impact.
The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that government will soon implement a new policy requiring all public sector agencies to procure specific essential goods exclusively from local producers. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s industrial base, reduce import dependency, and stimulate job creation. The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) on April 3 at the Ministry of Finance.
Dr Forson expressed dismay over Ghana’s continued reliance on imports for basic commodities such as sugar and rice, despite the country’s capacity to produce them locally.
“It is unacceptable that Ghana continues to import basic commodities like sugar and rice when we have the capacity to produce them locally. That is why the government is taking decisive steps to support local production,” Dr Forson lamented.
He stressed that the new directive aims to channel public sector procurement towards empowering domestic manufacturers.
“To support our local industries, the government will soon publish a list of items that all public sector agencies must procure locally,” he stated. “Any government procurement from outside Ghana will require special approval from the Office of the President.”
In addition to the local procurement policy, the Finance Minister warned of the severe threat posed by the smuggling of goods into the country.
He disclosed that government has identified key smuggling routes and will soon introduce tough enforcement measures to clamp down on this practice, which continues to undermine local industries.
“Smuggled goods are crippling our local businesses, and we are determined to stop it,” he said.
Dr Forson also called for closer collaboration between the government and private sector actors, inviting industry leaders to a working session to explore how local businesses can effectively engage with the government’s 24-hour economy programme.
He emphasised that robust partnerships will be key to sustaining l ong-term growth and enhancing local production capacity.
AGI President, Dr Humphrey Ayim-Darke, welcomed the move and commended the government’s renewed commitment to industrial development.
He expressed optimism that consistent dialogue and cooperation between government and the private sector would lead to lasting improvements.
The upcoming policy on local procurement, he noted, has the potential to significantly boost the competitiveness of Ghanaian manufacturers while ensuring public spending directly benefits the national economy.
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Source : 3 News
