The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged the government to ensure a seamless transition for businesses currently benefitting from the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative into the 24-hour economy policy.

The association stressed that a smooth shift was vital to prevent disruptions to operations and growth.

Speaking at the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition 2025 in Accra on September 16, AGI President, Humphrey Ayim-Darke, called on the government to sustain the tax exemptions granted under the previous administration’s 1D1F programme.

He noted that extending such incentives under the 24-hour economy would stimulate expansion and job creation.

“Incentives for industries are a necessity, such as the tax exemption regime that can trigger business expansion. I say this with reference to some of the recent developments around the 1D1F policy, of which a number of our members are still beneficiaries.”

“We expect that for such beneficiaries, there will be a smooth transition from the 1D1F policy to more beneficial incentives under the 24-hour economy policy, in order to avoid disruptions in business activities,” he said.

Mr Ayim-Darke also expressed concern about the surge in parallel imports, warning that the practice was undermining local manufacturers.

“Local manufacturers are increasingly under pressure due to the rise in availability of cheaper imported parallel products. This trend is creating an uneven playing field, making it difficult for domestic industries to remain competitive.”

“These products evade the appropriate checks, giving them an artificial cost advantage. We urge regulatory bodies to enforce their mandates to correct such market failures,” he emphasised.