The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) Tema Regional Branch has held its Annual General Meeting at Hotel Joecarl under the theme, “From Stabilisation to Growth: Strategic Industrialisation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation.”
The meeting opened with a welcome address by the Regional Chairman, Dr. Eddie Akwetey, who highlighted the challenges facing industries in the Tema industrial enclave, particularly the poor state of industrial roads, high operational costs and the need for adequate land to support industrial expansion.
“We plead that government should hear our voice and then repair our roads for us,” Dr. Akwetey stated, drawing attention to the impact of deteriorating roads on the transportation of raw materials and the operations of member companies.
The Chief Executive Officer of AGI, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to policy advocacy and improving the business environment. He emphasised the importance of collective action, stating that “when we meet like this, issues of pertinent interest to you are seriously taken on board and we make sure we advocate it strongly on your behalf.”
The AGI Vice President in charge of SMEs, Mr. Dela Gadzanku, also underscored the need to translate economic stability into sustainable industrial growth through innovation, improved productivity, stronger local value chains and collaboration between industry and government. He noted that “stability must serve as a foundation for growth.”
Members received presentations from key stakeholders on issues affecting industrial operations. Mr. Larry Kotoe of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spoke on EPA Fees and Charges for Cargo at the Ports: A Clear Expectation, while Mr. Charles D. A. Say of the Ghana Shippers Authority addressed The Current Congestion at the Ports and Its Impact on Businesses.
The discussions provided members with the opportunity to engage relevant institutions on regulatory charges, port congestion and logistics challenges, which continue to affect the cost and efficiency of doing business.
Through the AGM, AGI reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening industry advocacy, facilitating stakeholder engagement and advancing policies that support industrial growth, competitiveness and Ghana’s economic transformation.
