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Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to reducing the country’s reliance on imports by deliberately supporting and expanding local industries across all sectors of the economy.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Vice President explained that prioritising local production has the potential to unlock massive job opportunities and significantly reduce unemployment.
She noted that the entire value chain of local production—from land preparation and planting through harvesting, processing, cutting, packaging, and distribution from factories to markets—can serve as a major engine for job creation.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that when Ghana invests in its own productive capacity, it not only creates employment but also retains wealth within the country, strengthens local businesses, and builds a resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks.
She further called on the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to play a more proactive role in supporting local manufacturers.
According to her, the Authority should provide the right training, modern equipment, and a fair but robust evaluation and certification system to ensure that locally produced goods meet required standards and can compete favorably on both local and international markets.
“We train many people in this country, yet too many remain unemployed because the very things they are capable of producing are being imported. This situation must change,” the Vice President stressed.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the importance of local production in critical areas such as textbooks, rice, uniforms for security personnel, and school uniforms for children, among others.
She noted that sourcing these essential items locally would boost domestic industries, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for many Ghanaians.
She assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to implementing policies and interventions that promote local content, encourage value addition, and foster a productive and vibrant economy driven by Ghanaian ingenuity and enterprise.
Story by: George Osei-Akoto Addae (Teacher Kojo) #ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com