By Kodjo Adams, GNA
Accra, March 19, GNA – Dr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has called for deeper collaboration between government and industry players in policy formulation and implementation.
He expressed concern over situations where policies were developed without stakeholder input, leading to agitations that undermined sector growth.
Dr Nsiah-Poku made the call in Accra at an industry forum on Ghana’s food and domestic tax policies, held on the theme: “Strengthening Public-Private Dialogue in Policy Formulation.”
He said the forum demonstrated a shared commitment to evidence-based engagement on policies affecting industry and to finding practical solutions to emerging challenges.
“Government policies are meant to improve the welfare of citizens, but we expect authorities to bring key stakeholders on board for constructive dialogue and consensus-building,” he said.
He cautioned against rushed policy decisions without industry buy-in, noting that such approaches could negatively impact investments.
“For instance, when an investor sets up a factory and begins production, it represents a significant commitment. There must be proper engagement with the relevant agencies to agree on timelines for complying with new policy requirements,” he said.
Dr Nsiah-Poku noted that although the country had seen some improvements in macroeconomic indicators in recent years, sustaining them was crucial for enhancing business operations.
He added that while policies – particularly those affecting food and beverages – were intended to safeguard public health, stakeholder collaboration remained essential to effectively address implementation challenges.
He reaffirmed AGI’s commitment to strengthening engagement with government and disclosed plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Health to define key areas of cooperation.
Dr Joseph Dodoo, Head of External Health Cooperation at the Ministry of Health, said the Ministry remained committed to protecting public health and would continue to partner stakeholders to achieve that goal.
Participants at the forum were also briefed on excise tax stamps, tax incentives, and other fiscal policies affecting the industry.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
