Accra: Mr Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, has urged the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to explore public-private partnerships to advance the Government's development agenda and accelerate economic growth. He said the Government would work closely with captains of industry to translate its agenda into practical actions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Debrah made the call at the investiture of the newly elected AGI President and National Council members in Accra. Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei, a Justice of the Supreme Court, administered the oath of office. He noted that the Government's 24-hour economy and Big Push agenda were expected to revitalize the economy and support sustainable development. The Government plans to continue engaging AGI leadership, encouraging them to submit concrete proposals and data-driven recommendations to inform policy decisions.
Mr Debrah emphasized that collaboration would help design smarter regulations, anticipate risks, and unlock investment to propel the economy. He stressed that sustainable jobs and expanded opportunities could only be achieved through private sector-led industrial transformation, with support from the Government. He congratulated the new AGI leadership and commended the outgoing executives for their service and the foundation laid for the Association.
He highlighted the need to diversify the economy, deepen value addition, and improve competitiveness in regional and global markets. The country envisages an innovative, formalized, and export-oriented private sector, supported by a responsive, predictable, and accountable public sector. This approach aims to improve the business environment, streamline regulations, expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and support investment in critical infrastructure, including energy, transport, and digital transformation.
Mr Debrah charged the new AGI leadership to support members in adopting technology, meeting international quality and environmental standards, investing in skills development, and strengthening linkages with local suppliers and communities. Mr Kofi Nsiah-Poku, the newly elected AGI President, stated that the Association had served as a bridge between industry and Government to promote industrial growth. He mentioned that AGI would strengthen its institutional capacity, sharpen its advocacy, and enhance its contribution to the country's industrialization agenda.
Mr Nsiah-Poku outlined plans to establish a permanent Head Office as a legacy project, create a business support and market expansion function, and implement a membership growth strategy. Dr Humphrey Kwesi Ayim Darke, the outgoing AGI President, congratulated the new leadership and urged them to consolidate gains made in promoting business competitiveness.