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Government creating enabling environment for businesses to thrive – Trade Minister
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says government has created an enabling environment for businesses and exporters to grow and thrive.
She made the remarks during a working visit to Kasapreko PLC, where she interacted with management and staff of the company.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly, making it easier for businesses to plan and operate.
“When I became Minister, industry players were worried about the exchange rate and how it affected pricing and working capital. Today, that is no longer the case. The economy has done well, and the cedi has appreciated,” she said.
Ofosu-Adjare noted that government’s economic recovery efforts under President John Dramani Mahama have stabilised the business environment, a development she said is already reflecting positively in the operations of local industries.
She explained that her ministry has adopted a deliberate approach of engaging exporters regularly to understand their challenges and address them promptly.
One of such issues, she said, was the time frame for the repatriation of export proceeds, which has since been resolved to help businesses improve cash flow.
The Minister expressed excitement about Kasapreko’s expansion plans, stressing that government is not only focused on attracting foreign direct investment but also committed to supporting Ghanaian-owned businesses.
“My presence here shows that I am interested in local businesses expanding and taking their rightful place in the industry,” she said.
She added that local entrepreneurs invest in Ghana, live in the country, and contribute directly to national development, and therefore deserve strong government support.
Ofosu-Adjare assured Kasapreko PLC of government’s continued support to ensure its growth and sustainability.
She revealed that she would engage the Ghana Water Company to address water supply challenges facing the company.
Management of Kasapreko PLC welcomed the Minister’s visit and commended government for policies that have helped stabilise the economy and improve business confidence.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The member of parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has condemned alleged vote buying linked to Baba Jamal during recent political activities at Ayawaso East, describing the act as completely foreign to the values of the NDC.
During a discussion on Metro TV, Mr Agbana expressed concern about what he described as an open display of wealth during the event over the weekend.
He referred to videos circulating online which showed items such as television sets being distributed to people, stressing that such actions do not reflect the party he grew up to admire and join.
According to him, the NDC is built on core values of accountability, probity and transparency, and that explains why many party members have reacted strongly to the incident.
He indicated that the outrage within the party shows a clear rejection of vote buying and similar practices.
Mr.Agbana also disagreed with comments attributed to the Greater Accra Regional Minister suggesting that vote buying happens in every election.
He maintained that such a view does not represent the position of the NDC and should not be normalised under any circumstances.
He pointed out that immediately the reports and videos emerged, the party leadership took a firm stance against the alleged acts rather than trying to justify them.
He noted that the party was awaiting the release of an official report on the matter and expressed confidence that any recommendations would be fully implemented.
Mr.Agbana described the current leadership of the NDC as disciplined and principled, with a proven record of integrity.
He stressed that the party’s response to the issue shows that its reset agenda is not only directed at political opponents but also focused on internal discipline and self correction.
He further assured the public that the NDC will not protect any individual found culpable of vote buying. However, he added that anyone accused will be given a fair opportunity to respond, in line with the principles of natural justice.
Mr.Agbana concluded that the party remains committed to building a strong and resilient political organisation that upholds probity, transparency and accountability at all levels.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says more than 15,000 Ghanaian workers have lost their jobs following a directive issued by the Chief of Staff.
According to him, the dismissals affected not only people employed after the 2024 general elections, as stated in the directive, but also workers who had been lawfully employed as far back as 2017.
Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the Minority uncovered evidence showing serious excesses in the implementation of the directive.
“We became aware that although the letter was specific to those recruited after the 2024 elections, Ghanaian youth who were employed as far back as 2017 were all dismissed from their lawful employment,” he said.
He explained that the Minority filed a motion in Parliament to investigate the matter, which was admitted by the Speaker. However, the process has faced several delays.
According to him, the Majority Leader raised a preliminary objection to the motion, which was upheld by the First Deputy Speaker. The Minority later filed a motion for review under the rules of Parliament, which was also admitted.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin said the review motion was moved by him and seconded by the Member of Parliament for Ofoasi- Ayirebi, while the Majority Chief Whip, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor , began the debate on behalf of the Majority side.
He noted that the House was expected to continue the debate the following Tuesday to allow the Speaker to rule on the matter, but this has not happened due to other parliamentary business.
“Several times the motion appeared on the Order Paper, but we could not take it,” he stated.
The Minority Leader stressed that the delay is having serious consequences for affected workers and their families.
“This is a matter that affects the livelihood of Ghanaians. We have in excess of 15,000 Ghanaian youths affected by this directive, and they are still at home,” he said.
He added that the Minister for Employment has acknowledged receiving petitions on the issue and has initiated investigations, but said that should not stop Parliament from carrying out its own inquiry.
“These Ghanaian youths are sitting at home. Their wives, their extended families are all affected. It has been over a year, and they are not getting any justice,” he added.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin appealed to the Leader of Government Business to ensure that the motion is included in Parliament’s report and debated to allow the House to make a final decision on the matter.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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