Accra, March 1, 2018//-Ghana is seeking Indian government’s expertise in five key sectors of the Ghanaian economy. These sectors are energy, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship.
The Minister for Business Development, Mohammed Ibrahim Awal who disclosed this at a day’s India-Ghana Breakfast Summit held in Accra explained that the Asian country had a lot of expertise and experience in the sectors mentioned-above.
“We are appealing to you to use your strengths and expertise in these sectors to support Ghana to enable it grows the sectors for all of us”, he appealed.
According to Mr Awal, the Ghanaian government was looking to engage 500, 000 farmers in the Planting for Food and Jobs programme this year, So the country was ready to tap into India’s rich experience in the agricultural sector.
He was quick to add: “We want Indian technology to support us improve on our output and move the agricultural sector forward. This is the surest way that we can address the issue of unemployment in the country”.
Also, such invaluable support from India would ensure that Ghana is not only self-sufficient in food production but is able to increase its food exports to other neighbouring countries, Mr Awal stated.
“We want to move from a factor-driven economy to an efficient-driven economy and agriculture and agribusiness for us are the main drivers”.
Globally, India ranks 11th and 12th in services and manufacturing sectors respectively. Its agriculture sector is also second in the world. The country’s agriculture is structurally diverse, stronger and superior to the one that existed during the Green Revolution.
Industry
Touching on the industrial sector, Mr Awal noted that the linkages between agriculture and industry could spur country into an industrial economy. “So, we are encouraging our friends and brothers from India to help us in this direction”, he said.
Mr Awal further appealed to the Indian government and the Indian business community to bring their knowledge and expertise to bear on the government’s flagship industrial initiative-One District, One Factory to ensure that such district enterprises create the much needed jobs for the teeming unemployed youth in the country.
On his part, a Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay reiterated the government’s drive towards industrial transformation which he noted was hinged on value addition and manufacturing.
He therefore encouraged the Indian businesses to register with the One District, One Factory Secretariat to enable them part in the programme. “Feel free to part in the programme ; both new and existing businesses are qualified to take part in it”.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsay also urged them take full advantage of the continental free trade to access the 1.2billion market.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant used the occasion to impress upon the Indian businesses to double their investments in the country.
After conquering the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries are permitted to venture into the other sectors of the Ghanaian economy, he said.
In his welcome address, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Birender Singh Yadav assured the Ghanaian government that India would continue to support Ghana in its development agenda.
The President of Association of Ghana Industries (AGIA), Dr Adu Gyamfi pledged to continue to deepen the relationship between the association and Indian community.
The High Commission of India, Accra in collaboration with the AGI organized the ‘India-Ghana’ Breakfast Business summit to discuss ways and means to strengthen India-Ghana bilateral economic cooperation.
The meeting also included Interactive Session followed by Networking to enhance India-Ghana trade relations.
By Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, African Eye Report
