Policy analyst, Peter Tekper says certain policies outlined by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer are not targeted at industry.

Addressing the nation in Accra on February 7, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said Ghana will have a new, "friendly" flat tax regime when he is elected President.

The NPP flagbearer said he will enhance businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), there is the need to reform the tax system to the advantage of the business community, and also encourage the payment of the new friendly taxes.

• Read also: Flat tax regime will be introduced if I’m elected President – Bawumia

But speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on August 19, Mr Tekper said even after introducing these policies since the economic environment is not conducive for businesses, it will make no positive impact.

“If you don’t deliberately bring a policy, that will have a homegrown solution in terms of developing businesses locally to generate revenue, you are still going to be an import-dependent economy.

“If you look at the solutions that are being professed, yes, we need more tax revenues, business are struggling now. Look at it for instance, look at the VAT rate system is very expensive and so businesses are struggling.

"High taxes at the port so even if someone is bringing raw materials there are categories, there are taxes that are still been paid."

In light of this, he stressed that “These policies are not targeting industries such that it will help Ghanaian businesses to be able to compete very well,” he added.