BTA2023 The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged the government to introduce policies and laws in the 2025 budget that will protect local industries from competition posed by foreign imports.
AGI’s Expectations for the 2025 Budget
- AGI is pushing for incentives that will allow businesses to operate efficiently under the new 24-hour economy strategy.
- The association wants the government to shield local companies from excessive competition with imported goods.
- AGI is collaborating with the government’s 24-hour economic strategy office to refine areas where support is needed in the upcoming budget.
The 24-Hour Economic Strategy, Introduced by John Mahama, this strategy aims to:
- Enable businesses to operate 24/7 in a three-shift system (8 hours each).
- Create an enabling environment that boosts productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.
Challenges Facing Local Industries
Economic analysts have highlighted key obstacles that threaten Ghana’s manufacturing sector, including:
- Lack of protection against foreign competition.
- High energy costs and limited access to finance.
- Poor logistics infrastructure and technology gaps.
- Skills shortages in the labor force.
US-Ghana Business Expo
AGI’s call for industry protection was made during the 3rd US-Ghana Business Expo Roundtable and B2B Matching event in Philadelphia, USA.
- The Expo began in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with 20 private Ghanaian businesses participating.
- It serves as a platform for Ghanaian companies to explore business opportunities with US firms.
- Key sectors of focus include Agriculture, Energy, Healthcare, Transportation, Fintech, Trade, and Real Estate.
AGI’s push for policy adjustments in the 2025 budget signals a broader effort to ensure economic stability and industrial growth under the 24-hour economy vision.
