Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has declared his intention to implement import restrictions on specific essential commodities if he emerges victorious in the December elections.
This decision stems from the fact that imports of goods and services currently contribute approximately 40 percent to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
During a meeting with members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in Accra, Mr. Mahama emphasized the importance of enacting legislation to bolster local businesses.
He outlined plans to revitalize strategic industries such as the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), with a particular emphasis on the downstream aluminium sector.
Mr. Mahama explained that by enhancing local production capacities for these items and others, his administration would impose restrictions on unchecked imports of these goods.
“We work to revamp and reignite strategic industries such as Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) because of the downstream aluminium sector while boosting the production of rice, sugar, tomato, fish, poultry, meat and meat products, vegetable cooking oil, and pharmaceutical products.
“Once local capacity in the production of these and many other products is increased and boosted, we shall place restrictions on the unbridled importation of these items” he added.