By Dennis Peprah, GNA
Fiapre, (Bono), Nov 6, GNA-Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister has called on the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) to move beyond production and export of raw materials and embrace value addition for job creation and poverty reduction.
He asked farmers to not only produce crops for consumption, but also supply raw materials to processing industries that could create wealth, employment, and sustainable livelihoods.
Mr Akwaboa noted that the industrial sector remained a critical pillar of economic transformation, saying that industries created employment, generated income, added value to natural resources, promoted innovation, and contributed significantly to government revenue.
The Regional Minister made the call on a speech read on his behalf at the opening session of the first Annual General Meeting of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional branch of the AGI at Fiapre, near Sunyani.
Mr Akwaboa indicated that Bono’s industrial development presented enormous opportunities, particularly in agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, and other value-added activities.
He said the region was endowed with abundant agricultural resources, vibrant entrepreneurial community, and a strategic geographical location.
“These advantages provide a strong foundation for the establishment and expansion of industries”, he added.
Mr Akwaboa emphasised that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) remained committed to supporting initiatives that promoted investment, strengthened local enterprises, and created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He said the government recognized the importance of the private sector as the engine of economic growth and development.
Mr Akwaboa added that the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at supporting businesses, improving infrastructure, expanding access to finance, and promoting local production demonstrated the government’s commitment to building a resilient and competitive economy.
He called for effective collaboration between the RCC and AGI in identifying and addressing the challenges confronting industries, including access to affordable credit, high production costs, inadequate infrastructure, limited markets, and regulatory bottlenecks.
Mr Akwaboa said the RCC would continue to engage relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, as well as Municipal and District Assemblies to address those challenges and facilitate a conducive business environment.
He said that in today’s rapidly changing global economy, industrial competitiveness depended not only on investment but also on innovation, technology, skills development, and strategic partnerships.
Mr Akwaboa urged the AGI to embrace modern technologies, improve production processes, invest in research and development, and prioritise the training and development of their workforce.
Earlier, in a welcoming address, Mr Samuel Kwame Ntim-Adu, the Chairman of the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regional branch of the AGI commended the members for the loyalty, assuring that the branch would work hard for its impact to be felt in the three regions.
He said the AGM would elect and swear into office new executives.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Dennis Peprah
Email: [email protected]