The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has outlines 12 key areas of economic reforms it will be focusing on this year.

In a communiqué after its National Council Retreat, the AGI reckoned the need to step up a dialogue with action, in order to gain more traction and wield more influence on policymakers in order to achieve the desired level of industrialization.

President of the AGI, Dr Yaw Adu Gyamfi expressed that even though business confidence for Q4, 2018 saw an improvement over the preceding quarter, the Association is worried over the slow pace of policy implementation, making it difficult for industry to come alive. 

Industry continues to bear the brunt of the high cost of electricity and cedi depreciation, among others.

In the light of the foregoing, the AGI National Council resolved on the following 12 pointers to help shape the future of Industry: 

Competitive Electricity Tariff

AGI resolved to continue making input into the electricity tariff negotiations with the PURC and appropriate agencies to ensure competitive tariffs for Industry. 

While expecting reliability and efficiency in service delivery and competitive tariffs from the new company to take over operations of the distribution network in southern Ghana, AGI has recognized the need for a tariff regime that is structured in a manner that the utility service providers can recover the cost in order to remain viable.

That notwithstanding, the AGI Council notes that Ghana belongs to the high energy cost category of countries in the sub-region, therefore AGI expects that the ongoing discussion on the review of the electricity tariff should take the competitiveness of Ghanaian industry into account. 

The Council is of the strongest view that, industry should not be made to subsidize residential consumers of electricity as is currently prevailing.

Financial Sector Reforms

Recent developments in the financial sector in Ghana remain of keen interest to AGI. We acknowledge the Central Bank’s announcement of the completion of the cleanup in the banking sector and putting measures in place to restore total confidence. 

Further to this, AGI is urging the Bank of Ghana to speed up plans to embark on similar exercise within the non-banking financial institutions to help restore total confidence in the entire financial system. 

The timeliness of the reforms, according to the AGI is vital to protect the integrity of the Ghanaian financial system. In the AGI’s view the overarching objective of these reforms should be to reduce the cost of capital and make it more accessible to industry to spur economic growth.

Implementation of Government Industrial Initiatives

AGI, in acknowledging the government's industrialization plan, expressed concerned about the delay in the release of funds to support the private sector in implementing these initiatives. Thus calling on Government to speed up the process to achieve the noble objectives of these programmes.

Passage of Fiscal Responsibility Act

The AGI, in commending Government for the bold initiative in passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act to ensure prudent expenditure is expecting that the tenets of the Act will be strictly adhered to, to maintain macro-economic stability in both the short and long terms. 

Closely linked to our budget deficit challenges is the task of mobilizing sufficient revenue for the government and it is for this reason that AGI welcomes the introduction of more innovative ways by government to shore up domestic revenue. 

“We urge our business community to cooperate with the GRA in its digital revenue mobilization efforts to maximize the benefits and mitigate any negative impact.”

Port Procedures

The growing uncertainty among businesses over what measures Government intends to introduce in its bid to improve port clearance procedures is deeply worrying. 

UNIPASS, CTN, Cargo disinfection exercise and a number of these initiatives may be well intended but the policy uncertainty, lack of synergy and the debates over which system is best, could undermine confidence in the port reforms and WTO trade facilitation measures being implemented.

Impact of Straight Levy

AGI calls on government to review the current straight levy policy as introduced in the 2018 mid-year budget review due to its negative impact of 5% tax burden on Industry. 

The re-calibration of the standard VAT rate (17.5%) into a straight levy has become a major disincentive to local manufacturing. Meanwhile, it is the expectation of AGI that no additional taxes will be introduced in the course of this year.

Tax Stamp

Council noted the full compliance of the tax stamp policy by AGI members. Further to this, AGI is urging its members to monitor the level of efficiency of their production plants and the cost of compliance of the policy in order to aid subsequent impact assessments. 

Meanwhile, AGI expects the GRA to ensure that all players are in full compliance of the policy to ensure an even playing field.

Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC)

While AGI commends Government for the passage of the GITC Act, the AGI Council will like to see the Commission begin its work to address alleged cases of unfair trade practices in waiting, including consumer protection in the local economy. 

Fairness and transparency in the application of measures affecting international trade are important to prevent being a dumping stage for cheap goods from other countries which is central to the growth of the Ghanaian industry and the economy as a whole.

Wood Production

The government should invest more or encourage local participation in wood plantation development. Currently, state investment in plantation development is inadequate. 

Land available for plantation development is being allocated to foreign companies to the detriment of local companies. Eventually, the plantation resource will be controlled by foreign companies if this trend persists.

Delayed Payments

AGI recommends a form of credit certificate to offset outstanding statutory payments due to our local contractors who have had to wait for several months. 
There is also the need for legislation to cushion Contractors who suffer delayed payments in view of the huge pre-financing costs. 

Considering the magnitude of this incident which characterizes the sector, such regulation will guarantee the survival of local construction firms and job creation prospects.

Plastic Waste Management

AGI requests that the poor coordination of plastic and other waste management efforts by several MDAs be addressed. This is counterproductive and is creating a huge cost for the private sector. 

AGI will like to see efficient coordination of all the waste management initiatives by Government, possibly through the institution of a National Committee to coordinate all these efforts by the public sector. 

In addition, monies accruing from the Plastic Waste Recycling Fund, estimated to be in excess of Gh100m, be made available for its intended use.

African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement coming into force soon, Industry is calling on government as a matter of urgency to help develop local production capacity. This will position Ghanaian industries to fully leverage the opportunities of the agreement; otherwise, Ghana runs the risk of being marginalized. 

Finally, AGI reaffirms our commitment to support the government in implementing policies and regulations that lead to the creation of a favourable business environment for Industry to thrive.

The AGI National Council believes the decisions taken at this retreat will help chart a better path for Industry in Ghana while working closely with the government to build a stronger economy for jobs and shared prosperity.