Former Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for the 2028 general election, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to pursue policies aimed at making Ghana a more business-friendly destination for investors if elected president.
Dr Bawumia made the commitment during a meeting with the Trade Advocacy Group, an association representing traders, importers and other business operators in Ghana. The engagement formed part of his ongoing policy dialogue series focused on identifying challenges facing businesses and discussing possible policy solutions.
Bawumia Discusses Cost of Doing Business in Ghana
The discussions focused on trade policies, investment and measures to reduce the cost of doing business in Ghana.
Members of the Trade Advocacy Group outlined several challenges they believe are affecting business growth. These included the cost of importing goods, port demurrage charges, shop rents, taxes and limited access to credit.
Dr Bawumia said the discussions were aimed at identifying policies that could make it easier for businesses to operate, expand and create employment while strengthening Ghana’s position as a regional trade hub.
The issue of port-related costs in Ghana has also become a concern among importers, with industry groups raising concerns about delays, cargo dwell time, storage charges and demurrage liabilities.
Bawumia Engages Ghana Exporters
As part of his policy consultations, Dr Bawumia also met with the Federation of Association of Ghana Exporters (FAGE) to discuss challenges affecting Ghana’s export sector.
The meeting brought together representatives of both traditional and non-traditional exporters, with discussions focusing on barriers limiting the growth and competitiveness of Ghanaian exporters.
Dr Bawumia said countries whose economies Ghana seeks to emulate, including the Asian Tigers, have historically relied heavily on export-led economic growth and provided various forms of support to exporters.
He identified several areas where he believes Ghanaian exporters require greater support, including the regulatory environment, product standards, trade infrastructure in export markets, access to land, credit facilities, foreign exchange and payment systems.
He said addressing these challenges could help strengthen Ghana’s export sector and improve the country’s participation in international and regional trade.
Quarry Industry Also Features in Policy Dialogue
Dr Bawumia also held discussions with the Commercial Quarry Operators Association as part of his broader consultations with private-sector stakeholders.
The engagement focused on strengthening Ghana’s quarrying industry, creating jobs, supporting economic growth and promoting environmental protection.
The quarry sector plays an important role in Ghana’s construction and infrastructure development by supplying materials for roads, buildings and other projects. Recent reporting indicates that the discussions were aimed at finding practical measures to strengthen the industry and increase its contribution to the economy.
Dr Bawumia said listening to businesses and industry stakeholders is important in developing policies that respond to challenges within key sectors of the economy.
He maintained that the views and recommendations gathered through the policy dialogue series would help shape proposals on business development, job creation, investment, trade and economic growth in Ghana.
The engagements form part of Dr Bawumia’s ongoing consultations with various economic and business groups ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Source: newsthemegh.com