The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has emphasized the importance of prioritizing Made-in-Ghana goods to enhance local production and reduce reliance on imports.
During his campaign tour in Juapong, Dr. Bawumia addressed traditional leaders, clergy, and stakeholders, outlining his “Buy Ghana First” initiative. This policy aims to prioritize government procurement from domestic manufacturers, promote local industries, and create jobs for the youth.
He proposed that government agencies be legally mandated to source locally produced goods before considering imports. “If a Ghanaian company produces a needed product, it must be sourced from them first; only if it’s unavailable should we look outside,” he stated.
Dr. Bawumia believes this approach will invigorate factories like Volta Star Textiles, which has faced challenges due to the preference for imported goods over locally manufactured products. He noted that the factory’s struggles stem from a lack of demand, particularly for school uniforms, which are often imported despite the availability of quality local alternatives.
“When I visited the Volta Star Textile Factory a few months ago, I saw a company in trouble. Instead of supporting our local manufacturers, we are importing textiles from abroad,” he remarked, stressing the need for policy changes to support local production and boost economic self-reliance.
