AGI urges smooth transition of 1D1F firms into 24-hour economy
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called on government to ensure a seamless transition for businesses benefiting from the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative into the new 24-hour economy policy.
According to the AGI, such a move is crucial to prevent disruptions to operations and safeguard the gains made under the 1D1F programme.
Speaking at the Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition 2025 in Accra on Tuesday, 16 September, AGI President Humphrey Ayim-Darke urged government to maintain the tax exemptions previously granted to companies under the 1D1F initiative.
He stressed that extending these incentives into the 24-hour economy policy would allow industries to expand and create more jobs.
“Incentives for industries are a necessity, such as the tax exemption regime that can trigger the expansion of businesses. And I say this with reference to some of the recent developments surrounding the 1D1F policy, of which a number of our members are still beneficiaries.
“We expect that for such beneficiaries, there will be a smooth transition from the 1D1F policy to more beneficial incentives under the 24-hour economy policy to prevent disruptions in our business activities,” Mr Ayim-Darke said.
He also expressed concern about the growing challenge of parallel importation, which he said was undermining local manufacturers.
Mr Ayim-Darke explained that the influx of cheaper imported products was distorting the market and making it difficult for domestic industries to remain competitive.
“Local manufacturers are increasingly under pressure due to the surge in availability and the cheaper imported parallel products.
“These products evade appropriate checks, giving them an artificial cost advantage. We urge the regulatory bodies to enforce their mandate to correct such market failures,” he added.
Mr Ayim-Darke also called for balanced electricity tariff pricing to guarantee competitiveness and reliable power supply for industry.
