Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-04 06:35:30
The flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2024 general election, John Dramani Mahama, has outlined his plans to establish Staple Crop Processing Zones in all 16 regions of Ghana if his party emerges victorious in the upcoming polls. This initiative is a key component of the party’s industrial policy and aims to provide each region with a competitive edge in manufacturing while adding value to local produce.
Speaking at a policy dialogue with the Association of Ghana Industries in Accra, former President Mahama emphasized the importance of partnering with the private sector to create industrial zones focused on crops such as oil palm, cashew, cotton, groundnuts, cocoa, soya, cassava, and shea nuts. By identifying each region’s agricultural strengths and collaborating with the private sector, the goal is to establish industrial zones that can process agricultural products for both domestic consumption and export.
Former President Mahama stressed that the location of industries should be based on factors such as proximity to raw materials, access to ports, water, and power, rather than political boundaries. This approach would be integrated into the NDC’s flagship economic revival program, the 24-hour economy, which aims to address challenges faced by industries such as limited access to raw materials, credit, high utility tariffs, taxes, and markets.
Acknowledging the economic challenges facing Ghana, former President Mahama highlighted the need to intensify efforts to revamp the economy and create opportunities for the country’s youthful population. He emphasized the urgency of his administration taking swift action to restore the economy to pre-crisis levels if elected in 2025.
Addressing concerns raised by the Association of Ghana Industries, former President Mahama assured them of his commitment to advocating for their interests and promoting Ghanaian products both domestically and internationally. The President of the AGI, Dr. Kwesi Ayim Darke, expressed readiness to collaborate with the NDC to address obstacles hindering the operations of the association.
Dr. Darke suggested exploring alternative energy sources, such as nuclear power, to reduce industrial energy costs and improve sustainability. He also identified issues such as the high cost of raw materials, challenges with tax exemptions, and unfair trade treaties as barriers to industry growth. To realize the vision of a 24-hour economy, Dr. Darke recommended strategies such as commercial farming, targeted production for industry needs, trade treaty reviews, tax exemption reforms, and macroeconomic improvements.
In conclusion, John Dramani Mahama’s vision for Ghana’s economic development through the establishment of Staple Crop Processing Zones and the implementation of a 24-hour economy demonstrates his commitment to revitalizing the country’s industries and creating opportunities for growth. Collaborating with key stakeholders like the Association of Ghana Industries, Mahama aims to address longstanding challenges and drive sustainable economic progress for Ghana.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
