Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson says the government’s New Economy programme is aimed at boosting local production, reducing Ghana’s dependence on imports and creating more jobs by directing investment into productive sectors of the economy.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and leading industry players, Dr Ato Forson said the government wants to strengthen domestic production and ensure that more economic opportunities remain in Ghana.
He said President John Dramani Mahama has announced a US$10 billion investment into the Ghanaian economy over the next four years to support economic growth and job creation.
“We largely want to produce more of what we consume instead of always importing into the country because every import we end up exporting jobs out of this country,” Dr Ato Forson said.
He stressed that the government’s focus is on creating an economy in which local businesses have greater opportunities to produce goods and services for the Ghanaian market.
“Our mission is to produce more of what we consume and create more jobs here at home,” he said.
According to the Finance Minister, every imported product should also prompt the country to consider whether it can be produced locally.
“Every import is an opportunity to ask: why can’t we make it in Ghana?” he said.
Dr Ato Forson said the New Economy programme is therefore centred on increasing domestic production, supporting businesses and creating employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
“That is the promise of the NEW ECONOMY: Ghana producing. Ghanaians working. Prosperity growing!” he added.
