As the debate on the benchmark value reduction policy continues, the Ghana Standards Authority has added its voice to calls for the protection of local industries.

According to the Director-General of the Authority Prof Alex Dodoo, local industries will die if they are left to compete unfairly with cheaper sub-standard imports. He made the remarks at the 10th AGI Ghana Industry and Quality Awards 2021.

The awards ceremony which was organized by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority under the theme “Repositioning the Local Industry to Leverage AfCFTA” sought to reward outstanding performers from about 23 sectors of the economy under seven major categories.

Some of the key themes from the speakers at the event which was held on November 27, 2021, was the need for the adoption of good standards by local businesses, the protection of local businesses and the need for more support from the government.

While delivering his speech, Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority Prof Alex Dodoo stated that all steps will be taken in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders to enforce standards to ensure sub-standard imports are not allowed to compete with local manufacturers.

“One of the key things we need to do is to protect our local industries by strict enforcement of standards or else they will compete unfairly and end up dying. Our interest and focus as GSA, is to remove barriers to your business so you can thrive not only in Ghana but in the sub-region.”

“To this end, we are working with the Ghana Police Service to train 200 standards inspectors to ensure our markets are rid of sub-standard goods,” he added.

While commending the government over the announcement to reverse the benchmark value reduction policy, and the establishment of the Development Bank Ghana AGI’s outgoing President, Dr. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi on his part called for a more strategic plan to support local business in the era of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

“One of the reasons for this years’ theme is to emphasize the need for a strategic plan to support local businesses. Over the years the AGI has engaged the government on several interventions to create the enabling environment to support business growth. Challenges such as high cost of electricity and access to credit are some of the main barriers to industrialization and we are working with the government to deal with them.”