The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has stated that the new paradigm of economic development, which his administration is vigorously pursuing, of insisting on value-addition industrial activities within a conducive and business-friendly environment, can make headway.
According to President Akufo-Addo, it is common knowledge that, in recent years, industry has not done well, as growth rate in industry slumped to -0.5% in 2016, as opposed to a growth rate of 15.1%, at the end of 2008.
However, the President stated that “as a result of the normalisation of the power situation in the country, and the implementation of government’s pro-business policies, I believe our objective of shifting the focus of our economy from taxation to production is bearing fruit.
“In 2017, industry grew at 17.7%, a radically marked improvement on its abysmal 2016 performance in the last year of the Mahama administration.”
President Akufo-Addo made this known on Saturday, 13th January, 2018, when he commissioned the Twyford Ceramics Factory, at Shama, in the Western Region.
The President acknowledged that unless the country industrialises with the goal of adding value to our primary products, “we cannot create the necessary numbers of high-paying jobs that will enhance the living standards of the mass of our people. Raw material producing economies do not create prosperity for the masses. The way to ensuring access to prosperity is the industrial development of our economy.”
It is for this reason that the President congratulated the Chairperson, Board of Directors and Management of Sunda International for the decision to establish the factory in Shama.
The factory, he was confident, will not only reduce the country’s ceramic tiles import bill, and thus saving the country considerable sums of foreign exchange, but will also serve as a source of employment for many young men and women, resident in Shama.
“I am also happy to note that ninety five percent (95%) of the factory’s raw material needs will be sourced locally. The promoters of this project should work towards increasing this figure to a hundred percent (100%),” the President added.
Industrial Development Tariff
In furtherance of Government’s commitment to improve the business environment, President Akufo-Addo revealed that Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) has responded favourably to the request of Twyford Ceramics Limited for a reduction of the price per unit gas supply to the company, and, indeed, to industries across the country.
“Through the new Industrial Development Tariff, authorised by the Minister for Energy, a new rate of US$6.50 per Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu) has been approved for industry, as against the previous rate of US$8.84 per Million British Thermal Units (MMBtu). Ghana Gas notified the company of this in its letter dated 22nd November, 2017,” President Akufo-Addo noted.
This Government, he said, “is determined to enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian industries.”
President Akufo-Addo assured the partners of the project that, under his watch, Ghana will be a great place to do business.
“The experienced Minister for Trade and Industry will work with you to address any challenges that may arise, but, if, indeed, it becomes necessary, which I hope it will not, to go higher up the chain of authority, I want you to know that my doors will always be open. I do, on the other hand, insist that, on your part, you play according to the rules and regulations of the sector and the laws of the country as a whole,” he said.
The President wished all stakeholders in the project great success, adding that “we are on the threshold of something remarkable in Ghana, and I am pleased to have those involved in the Twyford Ceramics Factory as partners in our country’s exciting, new journey.”
Source: Peacefmonline.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
The phenomenal growth in industry is as a result of the previous govt. investment in the energy sector. what has Akuffo Addo done in the past year to merit this growth? He is just enjoying a spill over from the Mahama Administration.Those whose palm kennels are cracked by benevolent spirits should learn to be humble.
So where are the jobs and increase in pay?
Just imagine that and what would we have become, if change had not come?
TWEEAAAA!!! Master, stop lying to us ooo, we are not kids.
@Ben: Hi Ben, do not deceive yourself and other Ghanaians. Mahama grew what industry in Ghana? Who was Mahama before becoming MP for Bole-Bamboi? The guy was a nobody!!! Do you mean guinea fowls flying to Burkina is industry building? Ayariga's tractors, Kofi Adams's 6V8s or Dxifa Ativor's bus branding constitute industry building? Please NDC, Ghanaians are aware of your plot to tag Nana and his team with corruption in order to frustrate them from jailing you guys but that will not work. Amidu will soon be on your necks
Anyone who think our efficient president is lying should produce the right figures and state the source. NDC propaganda knows no bounds. Kudos Nana Addo
Which industry is the president talking about here? I cant think FAR. LIE LIE. FANCY BIG LIE
Thank God for a President like Nana Addo. In fact the youth really needs jobs and this has come at the right time. God bless you.
What industry is the president talking about? Is that the one where the minister has been swindling money from the expatriate? This man and his ministers drink so much also. How many Ghanaians have had their lives improved if your so called industry has grown by 17.7%. Do you think taking a mere paper and reading cooked figures is what the ordinary Ghanaian is looking for. People want money in their pocket. They want rent easy to pay, light bills reduced, be able to have three square meals a day etc, not this type of bogus lectures. Stop the propaganda and show Ghanaians tangible development that has improved their lives since you took over. How many persons in the rural areas know anything about your 17.7% growth. They don't give a damn. All they wants is making ends meet.
Mr president don’t insult the integrity of Ghanaians most of us know the able contribution, plans and efforts of President Mahama to grow industry. The numerous foreign direct investments after solving dumsor and all that.. because of greed and what to eat today and not think about the future attitude of most Ghanaians you managed to steal a good man’s mandate with lies and today you are president. In reality you have not fulfilled in totality a single pro poor policy you made noise with. please if you don’t appreciate and give credit where it is due just keep quiet and stop behaving like a clueless politician on the campaign trail.. yabr3 wo