Ghana’s ambition to establish a 24-hour economy will not succeed unless the government protects local production from cheaper imports. Anthony Morrison, President of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, issued this warning. He stated that this protection is crucial for creating jobs and expanding the country's industrial capacity.
Mr. Morrison delivered these comments on JoyNews' PM Express Business Edition. He stressed that Ghana’s industrialization agenda needs practical trade protection. It also requires stronger agricultural institutions and long-term investment strategies. Relying solely on better macroeconomic figures will not be enough.
The push for a 24-hour economy aims to boost employment and industrial output. However, Mr. Morrison cautioned that simply extending production hours will not transform the economy. Companies need a protected domestic market to justify new investments. Ghana’s agribusiness industry, valued between US$9.1 billion and US$12.8 billion, possesses significant growth potential. Despite this, it faces structural problems that limit investment and productivity.
Mr. Morrison highlighted that the government’s 24-hour economy policy cannot work if local producers must expand output while competing with cheap imported finished goods. He suggested that Ghana must re-evaluate its import policies for key agricultural products. This includes rice, where large volumes of imports undermine local production. He proposed importing paddy rice for domestic processing instead of finished rice. This shift would stimulate investment in mills, storage, and production facilities.
He criticized Ghana’s failure to develop large-scale commercial agriculture. This failure leaves the sector vulnerable to supply shocks and low productivity. Ghana also lacks readiness for agricultural emergencies, like floods and erratic rainfall. Mr. Morrison suggested creating a National Agriculture Emergency Agency to coordinate rapid responses to such threats. This agency would help farmers prepare for climate-related challenges. Mr. Morrison concluded that agricultural transformation needs to be a core part of industrial policy.