AGI calls for more engagement to address business challenges
The President of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Mr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, has called for heightened engagement and consultation from government agencies and regulatory bodies to address the challenges faced by businesses in Ghana.
Speaking on the importance of collaboration, Mr. Ayim-Darke emphasized the need for inter-agency engagement, particularly in the enforcement of regulatory issues by agencies such as the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
“In the area of taxes, the GRA is critical. To avert the smuggling of products, effective coordination among these agencies and regulatory authorities is essential. Consultation and engagement with companies through the AGI are crucial as these issues are cross-cutting,” Mr. Ayim-Darke stated.
He highlighted the benefits of consultation in resolving various challenges, such as obtaining business permits and navigating the bureaucratic processes demanded by municipal assemblies. “With consultation, you can address issues related to permits and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that increase our cost of production,” he explained.
Mr. Ayim-Darke further noted that through effective consultation, agencies can identify and address key performance indicators (KPIs) related to specific sectors, making regulatory compliance more visible and streamlined. “When you do your KPIs and focus on sectors like the biscuit factories, you can monitor whether they are conforming to the set standards. This will be automatically visible,” he added.
He also pointed out the role of technology in enhancing consultation and regulatory processes. “Another way to fix these issues today is through technology. Consultation really matters,” Mr. Ayim-Darke concluded.
The AGI President’s call for increased engagement and consultation aims to foster a more supportive environment for businesses in Ghana, ultimately contributing to economic growth and development.
