Industries in Ghana say President John Mahama’s plans to restructure the economy might be mirage, unless government improves the business environment and access to credit.
President Mahama on Wednesday announced measures to help move the economy from import based to more of exports.
He also indicated in his sessional address to Parliament that his government is “currently implementing measures to refinance a portion of the domestic debt, thereby reducing the pressures these obligations are placing on the budget.”
But president of Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), James Asare-Adjei, says ?all these initiatives would not work unless major impediments at the country’s ports are addressed.
“You have situations where your goods arrive at the port and then it takes you over 21 days to clear these goods, where as in some jurisdictions it takes you two hours. Are we being competitive?”Mr Asare-Adjei said.
He added that if the President is committed to ensuring that industries in the country thrive, he must consider the free port system and critically address current challenges in the country.
“We shouldn’t just camouflage the situation. We shouldn’t pay lip service. Let us get together those who matter …through continuous engagement”, the AGI president advised.
But Trade and Industry Minister, Haruna Iddrissu, says government is already working to correct all the issues at the country’s ports.
He said government is looking at reviewing existing customs laws to allow officials to work from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
He added that will also ensure that time and transaction cost of clearance of goods and service are improved.
Source: Myjoyonline
