President John Mahama has stated that Tema is regaining its glory days as Ghana's industrial city. He made this statement at the commissioning and inspection of Nestlé Ghana's expanded evaporated milk production line in Tema. According to him, the progress and expansion of industries such as Nestlé are helping to restore Tema's position as a key industrial centre. Kwame Nkrumah had planned Tema as Ghana's industrial city.
President Mahama emphasized that industries operating in the Tema enclave depend on efficient infrastructure, including the port, roads, and reliable electricity, to serve markets beyond Ghana. His government, he said, accepts the responsibility of providing the needed infrastructure to support industrial expansion. He expressed commitment to meeting this obligation.
President Mahama urged Nestlé to leverage Ghana's position as the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area to expand its reach across the continent. He stated that Ghana must take advantage of this to make Ghana Africa's production powerhouse. The expanded Nestlé production line, he noted, provides the company with the capacity to contribute to that ambition.
President Mahama warned that increased domestic production capacity would come with greater attention to illicit imports and customs evasion. He stated that having built the capacity to make these products locally, his government would take a close interest in illicit imports and customs evasion.
President Mahama declared that Ghana was open for business and outlined measures his administration was taking to improve the business environment. He mentioned that government was reforming customs procedures, revising the tax incentive framework, and digitising public services to make doing business in Ghana faster, simpler, and more predictable.
President Mahama assured Ghanaian businesses that his administration would continue to provide the enabling environment, financing, and infrastructure needed to support their growth. He stated that Ghana's renewed confidence was being built through the work of businesses and workers across the country.
President Mahama commended Nestlé Ghana for expanding its production line and urged the company to seize the opportunity to carry the words 'Made in Ghana' into every market across Africa. He expressed optimism that with the support of businesses and workers, Ghana would regain its industrial glory days.
Key points
- President John Mahama says Tema is regaining its industrial glory days.
- President Mahama urges Nestlé to leverage Ghana's position as the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
- President Mahama outlines measures to improve the business environment in Ghana.
