The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) at a forum has called on Parliament to use its powers and laws to protect and develop the various sectors of the country.
According to AGI, as a key law-making body, Parliament has the role to design policies that could benefit industries and the other sectors of the economy.
Addressing the forum participants, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, noted that the 1992 Constitution is explicit on the role of the private sector in the country’s economic development. He asserted that the house is committed to passing laws that would help industries grow and contribute more to the economy.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu averred that government is mandated under the constitution to create a conducive environment for the private sector to thrive, adding that the government is doing this through various programmes and initiatives.
Mr Emanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Member of Parliament for Elembele, on his part, noted that there is a fundamental weakness in the parliamentary structure. He explained that one of the critical provisions on the role of parliamentarians, is sometimes linked to the Executive and Legislature at the same time.
“Today, when you come to Parliament, half of the MPs are ministers of state and others have become board members of state institutions. If the leader of the majority is a Minister of State, how do you expect him to raise concerns on taxes such as the electronic transaction levy which will impact negatively on businesses.”
Mr Emanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
Parliament to Put in Place Measures
Dr Tony Oteng Gyasi, the Chairman of the Tropical Cable and Conductor, called on Parliament to put in place measures that would transform the current import duties structure in the country. He stated that the current import duty structure has become problematic for local industries, hence the need for the law-making arm of the state to do something about it.
“We believe that Parliament needs to think long-term and, in that process, ensure that every policy being passed concerning duties and taxes was in favour of industries.
“If taxation can be used to improve industries, Parliament should be able to do that but very often, it focuses more on revenue collection than supporting industries.”
Dr Tony Oteng Gyasi
Dr Humphrey Ayim Darke, the President of the AGI, on his part, noted that the forum is being held at a time the industry is seeking solutions to challenges thwarting the growth of businesses in the country.
The AGI President noted that the current exchange rate situation, fuel price hikes, and the external shocks from the Ukraine-Russian war have created turbulent times for industries and the economy in general. He said the situation require both the majority and minority in Parliament to work together at enacting laws to accelerate industrial transformation agenda.
The participants were speaking at a forum which brought together parliamentarians and industry players to discuss ways to move the country forward. The event was on the theme: ‘Promoting Ghana’s industrial development agenda: The role of Parliament.’
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