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We‘ve capacity to turn economy around—AGI President
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) says Ghanaian industrialists and entrepreneurs have the capacity, knowledge and expertise to produce to feed the country and turn the economy around.
To this end, the AGI has called on the government to develop deliberate policies to spur the growth of the industrial sector.
Speaking at the Virtual Forum on COVID-19 and the Vision of Ghana Beyond Aid, President of the AGI, Dr Yaw Adu Gyamfi said Ghanaian Industrialists and entrepreneurs could produce all the country needs with the needed support.
Accordingto the AGI President who spoke on the theme “COVID-19 and our march towards Ghana Beyond Aid: Turning adversity into opportunities,” it was Ghanaians who could help turn the economy around and not any other nationals.
“Germans build Germany, Nigerians will build Nigeria and it is Ghanaians who will build Ghana,” he said, adding that “even in time of adversity, we Ghanaian industrialists say we can if given the chance.”
He said the COVID-19 pandemic had demonstrated that Ghanaians could rise to the occasion if given the opportunity, saying “in spite of the COVID-19, and the lockdown, we were able to feed ourselves and the country never went hungry.”
Dr Gyamfi said the high cost of electricity, low investment in research and development and the inability of the country to link Information Communication Technology to industry were some of the challenges facing the industrial sector which comprised manufacturing, mining and oil and gas of the country.
The AGI President observed that the revival of the industry and the manufacturing sectors, would be hinged on pillars such as strong collaboration between industry and the universities for the local production of machinery needed by industry, value-addition to the country’s natural resources, adoption of ICT applications for manufacturing, and need for large markets.
To this end, Dr Gyamfi entreated the youth to develop applications to help industry improve their production processes.
“Industry needs ICT applications that will help improve productivity,” he challenged the youth.
Dr Gyamfi commended the government for the One District, One Factory and the Planting for Food and Jobs as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area initiatives, saying they were good programmes to propel the development of the country.
Touching on the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the adversity had taught the entire citizenry to become health conscious and the country to be self-reliant.
According to him, the number of people who reported to his health facility for treatment and medication for diabetes and other ailments had reduced.
That, Dr Gyamfi said was because people had resorted to good eating habits and better lifestyles as a result of the coronavirus disease.
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.
At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.
The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.
As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.
