Minister lauds Indian business community
By Isaac AIDOO, Accra
Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry and Former Executive Secretary, Ghana FreeZones Authority, Mr Michael Okyere Baafi has paid glowing commendation to the Indian business community in Ghana for what he described as their invaluable contribution to the economy of Ghana spanning six decades.
Speaking at a business networking session of officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry of the Government of India, the Confederation of Indian Industries in Accra , Mr Baafi said the Indian businesses had proved resilient and a force to reckon with in Ghana.
“We don’t take Indian businesses in Ghana for granted at all; we don’t underrate them because they have contributed immensely to the development of Ghana. If you talk of Ghana now and how far we have come, it’s the Big Indian businesses in Ghana, it’s also the small Indian businesses operating in the country; they have done phenomenally well; in many industries, like pharmaceuticals and agribusiness among others and we applaud you for your achievements,”
Deputy Minister Baafi said preliminary meetings held with the Indian business officials were forward looking and urged the Indian businesses to explore other investment opportunities in the country. He announced government was soon to unveil a policy for vehicle component manufacturing to serve as a departure from the importation of bolts and nuts for vehicles.
“A time has come for us to look at the other side of the automotive industry. Any company that jumps in to start something generic , even if it takes government to grant exclusivity if that’s what will bring the person in,” Mr Baafi said.
High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Mr Manish Gupta expressed delight over the promising economic partnership between Ghana and India. According to the High Commissioner, it was heart-warming to see the renewal of trade ties between the two countries.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investments Promotion Centre, Mr Yofi Grant assured the Indian investors Ghana had bright prospects for their investments.
While admitting that Ghana had found itself in a crisis, Mr Grant expressed confidence in a swift recovery, noting “the Ghana is rich in opportunities, it is open for business and we are extremely optimistic about the future.”
“There is one thing we always say to investors who come here which is they should grow with Ghana and grow in Ghana,” Mr Grant stated.
