The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that renowned pen manufacturer, BIC has moved its pen production operations to Ivory Coast due to the prevailing economic challenges in Ghana.

Dr Ato Forson emphasised that neighbouring countries in the sub-region are reaping the benefits as companies, previously operating and manufacturing in Ghana, are now relocating due to the current economic downturn in Ghana.

Commenting on President Akufo-Addo's 2024 state of the nation address in Parliament on Monday, March 11, the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam lawmaker urged the Akufo-Addo administration to swiftly implement measures to address the situation.

He highlighted the discontent among Ghanaian youth regarding the country's management, stressing that this should be a significant cause for concern for all individuals in positions of authority.

"Mr Speaker, I am sad to point out that the almighty BIC, the pen-producing company, has stopped producing its pens in Ghana. It has relocated its production to Ivory Coast."

"By relocating BIC pen’s production to Ivory Coast, we have exported those jobs. This is bad news for Ghanaian employees!"

"Again, Mr Speaker, Unilever Ghana, which has for a very long time been producing its famous Lipton tea in Ghana, has stopped its tea production here. Unilever has relocated its tea production to Nigeria."