AGI Advocates Trade Policy Restrictions for Foreign Shopping Malls in Ghana

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is advocating for a trade policy that requires foreign-owned shopping malls operating in Ghana to allocate a specified percentage of their shelf space to made-in-Ghana products. This move aims to support local industrial growth and development. According to Mr. Seth Twum Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer of the AGI, the association is not opposed to the establishment of foreign shopping malls, which have contributed to a more competitive business environment.

Mr. Akwaboah stated that a policy framework is needed to ensure that foreign-owned malls reserve a proportion of their retail space for locally manufactured goods. This call follows concerns raised by some traders in the Sunyani Central Business District, who say the growing number of shopping malls is affecting their businesses. The influx of modern shopping malls, particularly Chinese-owned outlets, has increased economic pressure on small-scale retailers due to their ability to offer lower prices.

The AGI's call for a policy to support local manufacturing and stimulate industrial growth and development comes as the Government prepares to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on November 12, 2026. Mr. Akwaboah expressed optimism that the budget would place greater emphasis on industrial development. He also stated that the AGI remained committed to contributing its expertise towards the effective implementation of the Government's 24-hour economy initiative and other socio-economic policies aimed at accelerating national development.

Mr. Akwaboah said the AGI expected the Government to allocate more resources to support the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy. For the policy to succeed, industries must have access to medium-term development financing to expand production, reduce costs, improve competitiveness, and increase their market share. Increased local production would help reduce imports while creating more employment opportunities for Ghanaians.

The AGI also highlighted the need for measures to protect local industries from unfair trading practices. Mr. Akwaboah added that another major concern of the AGI was the high cost of electricity, noting that many large-scale industries had experienced tariff increases of more than 40 per cent. This increase has added to the operational costs of industries, making it challenging for them to compete with cheaper imports.

The Association's expectations for the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy are centered on industrial development and support for local businesses. Mr. Akwaboah emphasized that the budget must highlight the measures the Government is putting in place to protect local industries from unfair trading practices. The AGI believes that a supportive policy environment is crucial for the growth and development of local industries.

The AGI's advocacy for trade policy restrictions on foreign shopping malls is part of its efforts to promote local industrial growth and development. The association believes that a policy framework that supports local manufacturing will help create a more supportive environment for local businesses and stimulate economic growth. The Government's response to the AGI's calls is expected to be revealed in the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

Key points

• AGI advocates for trade policy restrictions on foreign shopping malls to support local industrial growth
• Association expects Government to allocate more resources to support 24-hour economy policy
• AGI highlights need for measures to protect local industries from unfair trading practices