AGI backs Mahama’s platform, urges tax and capital reforms

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has pledged support for a proposed National Business Consultative Platform by President John Mahama, urging key reforms to boost local businesses.

Mahama unveiled the initiative to strengthen dialogue between the government and private sector players, enhance policy feedback, and drive sustainable business growth.

Speaking to Citi News, Tsonam Akpeloo, Dean of AGI Regional Chairs, welcomed the move but highlighted two major concerns: excessive taxation and limited access to capital.

“We face too many taxes. The government must remove some of these to help businesses grow. Access to capital is also difficult and expensive,” Akpeloo said.

He stressed the need for structured engagement to ensure the platform delivers real results. “It shouldn’t just be another launch. We want meaningful, productive interaction with government,” he added.

Akpeloo also called for stronger support for local production. He said Ghana has a competitive edge in producing certain goods and urged the government to back industries that can meet both domestic and export demand.

“There are products we can make locally. Yet, we keep importing them. Government must act to reduce imports and support local manufacturers,” he said.

He added that most local factories operate at half capacity. Encouraging full production, he argued, would increase jobs and reduce dependence on imports.