The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is calling for a short-term, time-based action plan to reduce the energy deficit in order to resolve the current energy crisis.
The call follows the unprecedented negative growth in manufacturing in 2014.
Manufacturing recorded the worst growth rate in recent memory of negative 8.0% in 2014 as the sector continues to shrink.
The AGI fears that Ghana risks losing its industrial base if Government policies do not quickly address these challenges to revive the industrial sector.
This was in a communiqué issued by the National Council after a strategic workshop in Ada, where a critical look was taken at the impact of its advocacy efforts for industry.
The workshop examined some of the major barriers to private sector development in Ghana, particularly ensuring availability of power for industrial growth in 2015 and beyond.
The communiqué reminded Government of its promise to bring on board Emergency Power Barges to increase the generation capacity by the end of the first quarter of 2015.
The AGI is also calling for complete institutional reforms of the operations and management of entities responsible for the entire power sector.
The communiqué called on the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Commission to make available the Strategic National Energy Plan (SNEP) 2015-2030.
In addition, the five-year Energy Sector Strategic Development plan covering 2015-2020 should also be released for purposes of effective implementation and monitoring.
It asked Government to, as a matter of urgency, ensure full operation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), considering its significant contribution to value-addition in the manufacturing sector.
In addition, TOR’s operation would ensure availability of Residual Fuel Oil for steam boilers of industry at competitive cost.
The communiqué said the high volume of imports would not inure to the growth of local industries and that AGI expected to see a programme to scale up local manufacturing through import substitution, where local raw material sources existed.
It called for extensive and effective stakeholder consultation prior to implementation of major policies and programmes.
“AGI is calling on all regulatory bodies and other institutions to avoid rushing the consultation processes leading to implementation of key policies that impact on businesses,” the communiqué said.
Latest Stories
-
Daniel Otting Awuah elected SRC President of Ghana School of Law
46 mins -
Lawrence Ati-Zigi signs St. Gallen contract extension
50 mins -
We should be careful not to destroy our institutions without just cause – Serebour Quaicoe
59 mins -
Cecilia Dapaah’s case: EOCO hasn’t requested for FBI report – Office of the Special Prosecutor
3 hours -
Andre Ayew scores 5th league goal as Le Havre beat Strasbourg
3 hours -
Ejisu by-election: NPP didn’t sanction money distribution to voters – Richard Ahiagbah
3 hours -
Ghana Health Service opens vacancies for 204 doctors, 25 dentists
4 hours -
Domestic tourism on the rebound with 1.4m visits to attraction sites in 2023 – GTA
4 hours -
Government working hard to complete Tema General Hospital project – Dr Okoe Boye
4 hours -
Ipswich Town seal Premier League promotion after 22 years absence
4 hours -
Accord journalists the respect due them – Opare Gyan
4 hours -
EPL: Arsenal beat Bournemouth to go four points clear of Man City
5 hours -
Cecilia Dapaah’s case: What’s happening now is a clear indication of cover-up – Amaliba
5 hours -
I felt rejected by Ghanaians – AY Poyoo
5 hours -
Terrorist cell of five Daesh supporters dismantled in Essaouira
5 hours