The former Deputy CEO of the Public Procurement Authority, Kwame Osei-Prempeh, has criticised the policy direction of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), arguing that it places too much emphasis on importation at the expense of local industrialisation.
Speaking on Accra-based UTV, Prempeh highlighted the decline in Ghana’s manufacturing and industrial sectors, attributing it largely to policies that fail to sufficiently support local production.
“Ghana has become a consumption-driven economy that relies heavily on imports,” he said. “This trend undermines national development.”
He clarified that he is not calling for a ban on imports, but urged the government to implement policies that make local production more attractive and competitive.
Prempeh pointed to the high cost of production in Ghana, noting that local manufacturers often struggle to make profits compared to imported goods.
He cited the textile industry as an example, revealing that while over 30 companies in Ghana produce clothing for export to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, the country still imports over $300 million worth of clothing annually.
“Even after import duties are added, foreign-made goods often remain cheaper than locally produced ones, making it difficult for our industries to compete,” he explained.
Prempeh warned that continued reliance on imports leads to job creation outside Ghana rather than within the local economy.
He therefore called on the government to prioritise policies that support local industries, reduce production costs, and boost industrialisation to drive economic growth.
Source: adomonline.com
