By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, May 23, GNA – Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Religion and Chieftaincy Affairs, say Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) will play a central role in the government’s industrialisation drive.
He stated that the government planned to allocate 80 per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), approximately $2 million annually, to be disbursed directly to Assemblies to drive local economic growth.
He made the announcement at the third edition of the Made in Ghana Business Summit, held on the theme, “Promoting Regional Industrialisation and Business Integration in Ghana.”
The summit aimed to foster the consumption of locally made goods and services to drive national economic growth.
Organised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, the event brought together Chief Executives, captains of industry, business leaders, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the country.
Mr. Ibrahim said decentralising resources empower MMDAs to identify and invest in region-specific opportunities, aligning with the President’s vision for a nationwide “24-hour economy.”
He noted that key initiatives to drive economic growth in local communities include the Feed Ghana Programme, promoting food sovereignty through schools and community farms and the “Nkuko Kitikiti” Poultry Initiative.
The Minister said due to the 24-Hour Economy Market prototype, government will allocate 20 per cent of DACF funds approximately GH₵825 million to establish round-the-clock business hubs in every district, featuring warehouses, security services, and childcare facilities.
He disclosed that traditional leaders were collaborating with MMDAs to resolve land disputes and create agro-industrial land banks, while infrastructure improvements aim to attract private investors.
In the bid to enhance local consumption, he said government intended to mandate public institutions to prioritise locally made goods.
Mr. Sam Ato Gaisie, Founder of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana, emphasised the critical need for industrialisation and agribusiness in Ghana.
He said these sectors were crucial for the nation’s economic progress.
Mr. Gaisie stated the “Made in Ghana Business Summit” was a vital platform for stakeholders to converge, share ideas, and strategise on advancing the economy through these priority areas.
He also stressed the importance of Technical and Vocational Training (TVET), advocating for the establishment of at least one major industry in each region to create jobs.
This, he said, would address unemployment challenges, especially given the influx of graduates.
Gaisie noted that such regional industries, tailored to local products, could employ thousands, counteracting job scarcity exacerbated by technological advancements in industrial processes.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong.