Thursday, 13th February, 2025
Hon Michael Baafi Okyere
New Juaben South
Mr Speaker, I thank you very much for the opportunity.
Mr Speaker, I rise to make this Statement on strengthening Ghana’s industrial sector and trade for sustainable economic growth. We stand at a pivotal moment, poised for economic transformation; yet, faced with significant challenges. This Statement will evaluate Ghana’s progress, identify obstacles, and propose concrete actions to strengthen our industrial sector and trade capabilities.
Mr Speaker, Ghana’s industrial sector has demonstrated resilience, particularly amidst the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives such as the One District One Factory (1D1F) Policy, and the Ghana Automotive Development Policy (GADP) have shown promise in fostering industrial growth and diversification.
Indeed, for the first time in the history of Ghana, we have seven vehicle assembly plants manufacturing about 14 brands of vehicles, while the 1D1F Programme notwithstanding its challenges, has led to the establishment of new factories and expanded existing ones; thus, creating 169 companies in operation. These and other industrial initiatives have created jobs and stimulated local production in various sectors, especially agro-processing.
According to the World Bank, the industrial sector’s contribution to Ghana's GDP increased significantly from approximately 24.3 per cent in 2016 to 33.0 per cent in 2023. This growth highlights success in job creation, especially in manufacturing and construction; export diversification and value addition.
It is also worthy of note that Manufacturing Value Added (MVA) increased from US$6 billion to US$8.5 billion between 2016 and 2023.
Ghana has seen notable improvements in its trade performance between 2016 and 2024, driven by several factors, including policy reforms, enhanced export diversification, and increased investments in key sectors. Ghana's total trade volume has experienced substantial growth. For example, the total exports rose from approximately US$13.5 billion in 2016 to an estimated US$20 billion by 2023.
Imports also increased but at a slower rate, leading to an overall positive balance in trade in certain years, particularly due to rising commodity prices on the global market. Cocoa, gold, and oil remain the cornerstones of Ghana's export economy. In addition to these traditional exports, Ghana has made considerable strides in diversifying its exports.
The trade in non-traditional exports, such as cashew nuts, shea butter, and fruits have seen growth. Non-traditional exports increased from about US$2 billion in 2016 to US$3 billion by 2023.
Between 2016 and 2024, Ghana's trade performance has evidently improved, showcasing significant growth in exports across several key sectors. Continued investment in infrastructure and a focus on diversifying trade routes and products will be critical for maintaining this positive trajectory in the future. The Government’s strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing trade will be essential for further sustainable economic development.
Mr Speaker, despite these positive indicators, several critical challenges hinder Ghana’s industrial and trade growth:
1. High Electricity Tariffs for Manufacturers: High energy costs increase production expenses, making Ghanaian goods less competitive in both domestic and international markets. Addressing this requires diversification of energy sources, investment in renewable energy infrastructure, and potentially targeted subsidies for energy-intensive industries.
2. Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor road networks, unreliable transportation, and limited access to reliable internet connectivity hinder efficient movement of goods and services.
3. Strategic investment in infrastructure development is vital for improving logistical efficiency and attracting foreign direct investments.
4. Access to capital: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of many economies, often lack access to affordable credit. Government initiatives, such as loan guarantee schemes and support for microfinance institutions can mitigate this.
5. Technological innovation and skilled labour: A lack of technological advancement and a shortage of skilled labour limit productivity and competitiveness. Investment in education and training programs, coupled with incentives for technological adoption, is paramount.
6. Export Diversification: Overreliance on a few key exports renders Ghana vulnerable to price shocks. Value addition to raw materials, exploration of new markets, and strategic partnerships to access global value chains are crucial for diversification.
Mr Speaker, I propose these recommendations to help Government to be able to boost trade and the industrial sector. To enhance Ghana’s industrial sector and trade, the following recommendations must be taken seriously:
1. Strengthen the 1D1F and Automotive Development Policies: A comprehensive evaluation of these policies is needed to identify successful strategies and areas requiring improvement. Targeted support for high-growth sectors, coupled with streamlined bureaucratic processes, will maximise their impact.
2. Improve Infrastructure: Invest in robust transportation networks, reliable power supply, and highspeed internet access to reduce operational costs and boost competitiveness.
3. Enhance access to finance: We have to expand access to credit for SMEs through governmentbacked loan schemes, microfinance institutions, and innovative financial instruments.
4. Promote technological Innovation: There is the need for us to invest in education and training to build a skilled workforce and incentivise the adoption of technology in various industries.
5. Leverage the AfCFTA: Actively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) market. AfCTA market has come to stay, whether we believe it or not; therefore, there is the need for us to take advantage of this block as a country.
AfCTA is now the biggest customs union in the whole world; therefore, Ghana has to take serious advantage of this market to be able to boost intra-African trade and increase our export earnings.
Mr Speaker, to conclude, Ghana can build a more robust industrial sector, diversify its exports, and foster sustainable economic growth for the benefit of all Ghanaians. I urge this august House to take a serious interest in trade and industrial activities to help boost Ghana’s intra-African trade systems and infrastructure to be able to earn more in the area of export to help build a better Ghana.
On this note, I thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity
Hon Gloria Owusu
Trobu
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for the opportunity. I rise to support the Statement made by my Colleague, Hon Michael Baafi Okyere. Mr Speaker, a woman trader from Ghana faces a lot of challenges using the Aflao border for trade. From the Akatsi border to the Tetteh Quarshie roundabout, we have about 27 checkpoints on the road. This is an issue we need to address to ensure smooth trading at the border. Thank you.
Hon Emmanuel Drah
Upperwest Akim
Mr Speaker, I want to commend the maker of the Statement. My contribution has to do with the improvement in industrialisation.
The last time, a Colleague made a statement that we do not need any magician to work at the Bank of Ghana to reduce the pressure on the dollar, but all we need to do is to increase productivity. If supply exceeds demand, the pressure on the dollar comes down.
Mr Speaker, it would surprise one to see a very big factory set up in my Constituency which is a one-hour drive from Accra. It is a jute sack factory which can produce over 600,000 bags of jute sacks but has been left for the past eight years. What are we doing about it? If Ghana Cocoa Board can import sacks with millions of dollars from India and Bangladesh, why can we not revamp this factory to produce sacks for Ghana Cocoa Board?
Mr Speaker, I would urge the sector Minister to take it up and work on this factory. I am talking about Adeiso, which is not far from Accra. The investors are there and are waiting to hear from us. What can we do about this?
On this note, I want to thank the maker of the Statement and also urge the House to take the necessary action for the factory called the Kotoku factory at Adeiso to be revamped for the youth to get something to do.
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker, for your indulgence.
Hon Samuel Awuku
Akuapim North
Mr Speaker, I rise to also support and commend the maker of the Statement in specific relation to our industrial sector and also how we can strengthen our trade sector.
Mr Speaker, the previous Colleague who just contributed to the Statement made by the Hon Member of Parliament (MP) for New Juaben South, made mention of another worrying trend where we can have a factory that produces things that we can use in our country but many a time, we see the Government moving outside the shores of our country to get the same thing at an exorbitant price.
Mr Speaker, just less than 40 minutes from here is my Constituency where Tetteh Quarshie brought the cocoa pod from Fernando Po to plant that today, Ghana is also highly regarded as a major cocoa-producing country. Former President Kufuor started the chocolate processing factory and unfortunately, before former President Kufuor could end his tenure, the factory which was just about 70 to 75 per cent completed has up to today been left there. We see some of these factories coming up but we have the old and existing ones which we can expand to create jobs for our people but we turn a blind eye to it.
Mr Speaker, I believe that for us to strengthen our trade and industrial sector, there are some key things that must also come into play. One, the attitude of our people towards what we also produce and consume in Ghana becomes very critical. Many of the State Owned Enterprises—And I share a personal experience as well. During the Christmas and Easter festivities, many State-Owned Enterprises would prefer to buy foreign rice for their staff than locally produced rice. All these things would have a rippling effect on even the currency of our country.
Once again, let me also dwell on the attitude of our people when I say it is critical in strengthening our industrial sector. Many Members of Parliament have similar experiences of access to micro-credit. We support our people with this micro-credit and many Members of Parliament end up carrying the burden of paying the entire credit that they helped to secure, guarantee or support the constituents and people who may be in need. I believe that the foundation has been laid. Let me commend the previous Government for the 169 companies under the1D1F and for expanding the old companies and also establishing new ones.
But I believe that these companies would eventually die off if we do not consume what they are producing or take advantage of what they are producing. Also, the taste for foreign goods is something that—I would not say that we can compel someone to consume what we produce in Ghana, but I think we should also make it much more attractive for these companies that are employing our people and developing our country to also have the benefits of seeing the things that they are producing on our shelves. In the past, we have had several of these beverages and after three to four months to a year, we do not find them on the shelves. I believe that the time has come and the urgency of the time also requires that—
Now all over the world, Mr Speaker, as I conclude, many countries are resorting to also looking inward in trying to raise revenue to support the growth of their industries.
In conclusion, I would also like to appeal to you to use your good office to help the people in my Constituency with the Tetteh Quarshie Chocolate Factory which was started almost 20 years ago and today has been left in the bushes somewhere. If we can have the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry or the Minister for Agriculture—Mr Speaker, so that we can also have the people having the benefit of getting at least some employment opportunities. Thank you.
Hon Hamza Adam
Kumbungu
Thank you, Mr Speaker, that I have caught your eye this time around. Let me thank the maker of the Statement for making this very important contribution and bringing this subject matter to the floor.
Industrialisation is very important that we must embrace as a country. Indeed, that is supposed to be the future of the country because if we mention most of these developed countries, they have reached where they are because of industrialisation. We as a country are blessed with a lot of raw materials but we tend to export most of these raw materials to other countries, get them processed and we import them with a lot of hard currencies to be able to use as a country.
Meanwhile, we have huge potential to establish these industries to take care of these things. Let me mention that the challenges we face as a country in developing our industries has to do with technological know-how. We have a country where we have good brains but we do not consciously train our people with the requisite technological knowhow to man our industry. The other challenge we have as a country is high cost of production. We have industries that are folding up because of high-cost production.
I remember a case where there was this company producing sanitary pads. Because of high cost of production, they had to fold up in this country and they relocated to Egypt where they were producing at a relatively low cost. When they produce and bring the products into this country, they are able to sell it far lesser than the price they were selling in this country and still make profit. This means that the cost of production is a matter that we have to look at as a country. The high tariff being paid by these industries is something that we have to look at. We are transiting into renewable energy. That is what we have to look at as a country. Let us see how we can introduce this renewable energy resources in our industries and I am sure when that is done, it can help to bring down cost of production and also reduce the burden on these industries.
The other issue that we have to look at is the taxes. The taxes are so much on these industries. The cost of production is very high because we tax them so much that at the end of the day, they cannot break even and that is very worrying. One thing that we also have to look at is to try and see how we can look at introducing these industries in our rural communities. I know the previous Government tried to look at1D1F but if one looks at the way they tag some of these set ups as industries, I think some of them were not qualified; there were some which could be just somebody’s poultry farm that they name as industry. So, we need to really look at—If we are industrialising our districts or establishing industries in the districts, then we really have to get serious and take serious measures to be able to establish this.
Mr Speaker, on my recommendations, I would urge us as a country to try and see how we can take advantage of the huge raw materials we have as a country and work towards introducing more industries. We have to also train more people with technological know-how to be able to manage these industries. Another way we can motivate people to let people stay and work in the industries is to be able to find a way of reducing cost of production and if we are able to do all these things, I believe strongly that, we as a country, can really take our industrialisation more seriously and get to establish more industries to be able to accommodate the teeming unemployment we have as a country.
Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.
Hon Samuel Abdulai Jinapor
Damongo
Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to contribute to the Statement ably made by Mr Michael Okyere Baafi, Member of Parliament (MP) for New Juaben South.
Mr Speaker, we are on a very important subject which is the Industrial Sector and Trade for Sustainable Economic Growth. I think that the Hon MP should be commended for bringing this very topical matter and I should say a very timely subject and I am sure this House has been following the trade war between the United States of America (USA), China, Mexico, Canada and the European Union and the retaliatory slapping of import duties and tariffs on their respective imports and this is why the whole area and sector of trade in our country, both domestic and international trade is absolutely important.
Mr Speaker, I believe that when one takes a cursory look at the Statement made by Hon Member and the contributions made, I think the question of trade facilitation and trade promotion is absolutely important. The issue to do with infrastructure such as our ports, how competitive the Tema and the Takoradi Ports are, as opposed to Lome Ports and all of that. I think it is absolutely important that we pay attention to that. The Boankra Inland Port, which was began by the AkuffoAddo Government and which is almost complete, to what extent are we going to complete it, to what extent are we going to operationalise it and to what extent are we going to use it as a tool or vehicle for trade facilitation and promotion.
Mr Speaker, when one goes to Debre in the Savannah Region of Ghana, there is another inland port which has been envisioned by the Akuffo-Addo Administration which means that we are going to have goods transported from Tema Port, Debre and Debre becoming the hub for transportation of goods from Savannah Region to Burkina Faso to Mali, to Niger to Chad. To what extent are we going—The new Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and the new Government is going to complete these projects and use it as an anchor for trade facilitation and promotion.
Mr Speaker, another area of significance is the area of AfCFTA, as you know, Ghana is the headquarters for the AfCFTA and it has the mandate to promote intra-African trade and bring about a regional market for Africa and Ghana is hosting this secretariat and is leading the effort at ensuring that we have
African integration when it comes to trade in Africa. I believe that Ghana should take advantage of this effort by the AU to build a continental market. The statistics is that, intra-African trade is 7 per cent of all the trade that happen within Africa and when one takes the European Union, intra-European Union trade is above 70 per cent and the benefits that would accrue as a nation. If for example, we are able to export our salt to places like Nigeria, where as we speak today, imports their salt far away from Brazil—And these are the areas we need to pay particular attention to.
Mr Speaker, we also need to look at import substitution. This is absolutely important because if we are able to promote import substitution, and produce as much of our consumables here in Ghana, and consume made in Ghana, that is the only way we can retain Ghanaian wealth within Ghana and that is how we can promote the private sector of Ghana.
That is how we would not export our hard-earned foreign currency, and if I may, almost everything we consume in our country is mostly imported and import substitution is absolutely important and that is why the Akuffo-Addo Administration, again, brought about the One District, One Factory. I think it is particularly refreshing, that the new Government has also brought about agro-business as a component of the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as Industry, as a component of the Ministry of Trade. Agro-processing is key, particularly, in the farming enclaves of our country, Afram Plains, Northern Ghana and other parts of Ghana.
Mr Speaker, I want to conclude by indicating that the Statement which has been made by the Hon Member of Parliament, calls for a lot more thorough examination because across the world, countries are now engaged in what is called, “Protectionism” which is that, countries want to protect their industries. They want to protect their private sector. They want to ensure that their countries only consume what they produce, at the same time, they want to export what they produce, the excess of what they produce, they want to export them, which are the two pillars of protectionism.
I think it is about time that our country also begins to examine and interrogate how we can build a protectionist economy in our country— A protectionist national economy where we produce here, we consume what we produce and whatever we have in excess, we are able to export. Beginning with the West African Region of Africa and the continental economy of Africa, to ensure that the Ghanaian economy grows so we can have the sustainable economic growth that the Hon Member of Parliament is calling for.
Mr Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity.
Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh
Nsawam/Adoagyiri
First of all, let me thank you for the admirable endurance shown today. If one counts the number of Statements you have admitted, it is not ordinary. I want to commend you for having endured all this while and to particularly commend my good Friend, the former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, for carrying the experience along.
Mr Speaker, let me try and veer off, not to repeat many of the good things that Colleagues have observed, just to narrow my contribution in this area. It is not debatable that we have to depart from what the first President of this country, Dr Kwame Nkrumah led, and get on to embrace a path where growth and industrial revolution would be private sector-led. That model has to sink and both Sides of the divide would have to come to the conclusion that it is only a private sector-led industrialisation that can change the fortunes and narrative.
Mr Speaker, the state leading industrialisation has failed and many of the industries that were built from independence had to be sold out to private entities. We can have another day to make that argument. But the point is that a private sector-led industrial growth is what can change the narrative and the story. For me, that should be the fulcrum of the discussion.
We have something in Chapter 6 of our Constitution called the Directive Principles of State Policy and successive governments have a moral mandate and responsibility to continue what the previous governments have started. If it is the case that the previous Government's policy of 1D1F—We may have our criticisms of its implementation and its inherent associated shortfalls. I have taken a cursory look at the NDC's manifesto on industrialisation. It is essentially not different from what the NPP stood for. Their manifesto says previous industrial moves started by the NPP administration—They are going to continue with that.
Mr Speaker, let us come to that stage—Let us come to that stage of our development paradigm where we would say that—Let us jettison the shame if there is any and say that the NPP started 1D1F. It has built this number of industries—So, we would have to continue with those ones. I am not here to tell them the number of industries we have built because I do not have the statistics. Probably, the former Minister can tell us. But I am making a point that one day they would also not be in government. One day they would be out. In fact, soon, they would be out
Mr Speaker, I would stay on course. So let us continue a culture of continuity and that is what I am speaking to. A culture of continuity is what we should look at.
Mr Speaker, Africa has the youngest population globally. We know the incidental effect of this on industrial growth and incidental effect of population on the growth of the economy and country. We are told Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to be the second fastest growing region globally after Asia. We are also told that now, unlike before when Nigeria was leading and seen as the biggest economy, South Africa arguably now has the biggest economy. There is something they are doing right in the area of manufacturing and mining. What is happening at Johannesburg?
We have a lot of gold deposits in our country. But we have allowed politicking and name calling and tagging to gain our country. What is it about Johannesburg that we cannot do? We can also do same or even better. Our policy of the Free Zone Concept is now, for want of a better expression, not current. Now the experts are talking about economic zone. Not to look too far, Cote d’Ivoire is becoming more competitive. We keep relying on our past glory. Now, Cote d'Ivoire is becoming more competitive in terms of investment destination than Ghana. What are they doing right? They have consistently been reviewing their Policy. They have shifted with their policy on free zone to what they now call economic zone.
Mr Speaker, not to rehash the high point of my Colleague's Statement. I am simply saying that, please—And I saw my good friend, Hon Isaac Adongo walk in, I know he would be named very soon by His Excellency the President. He would be named very soon. What we are saying is that, there should be no shame. Let us sustain the 1D1F Policy regardless that it was started by the erstwhile NPP Administration. This is what can change the fortunes. Elsewhere in South Africa, when government changes, one would see the previous government and the succeeding government exchanging notes. After all, what is it? It is about the welfare of our people.
I believe strongly that when it comes to industrialisation, we are better positioned. The interrelations about raw material usage, market sources and the fact that Sub-Saharan African countries are not trading with one another—These are basic matters that can be dealt with. But the problem is self-inflicted. Let us shift the paradigm and say that “enough of the politicking.” As long as there is something done which we consider as productive and it is something we can continue as a succeeding government, we should lay claim to it, own it, and say that it is a state project; let us sustain it. I think if we begin to change our attitude as politicians and a political class, we would make a very good progress. We should not be too worried about the number of factories that the NPP built. After all, they built some. We built a number of them. Improve upon them and not shy away from the 1D1F; own it and see it as a state project then we can make the success that we are all desirous of seeing.
Mr Speaker, let me conclude by inviting you—Mr Speaker, I know you are very good at these consequential directives. A number of Statements have been made in this House, we move motions, we lament, and then we leave it there. Notwithstanding the fact that we have not formed or fully constituted our Committees, Mr Speaker, I know you are very wise in such matters and you can guide us on how to navigate. This is a very important Statement that we cannot just let go. Maybe, pending the formation of the Committee on Trade —It is also interesting to realise that His Excellency the President has decided to have the Ministry of Trade now re-couched as the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry. I commend His Excellency the President for that identity. But the effect of it must reflect practically, not just in the name and identity. Mr Speaker, I would invite you, if it finds favour with you, to make some appropriate consequential directives
I know that by next week, the Committees will be fully constituted. They should take a look at this Statement and see how we can draw on the crux of it, and relate it properly for the betterment of our country.
Mr Speaker, let me commend the maker of the Statement, and I thank you for your endurance for this number of Statements you have admitted.
I want to commend you highly, Mr Speaker, for your endurance. I thank you for the opportunity.
Hon George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan
Cape Coast South
Mr Speaker, let me also thank the maker of the Statement, the former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry for making this important Statement.
Mr Speaker, there is no doubt in anybody's mind in this country that Ghana wants to industrialise. We want to become a manufacturing economy; there is no doubt. The Majority wants to do it and the Minority wants to do same. Where we have always got it wrong is actually the implementation and all the kind of names we give to the kind of industrialisation that we want. But the simple fact is that we want Ghana to become a manufacturing economy. We want to add value to all the resources that we are endowed with, so that we would be able to make the shelf value of these things longer and valuable; there is no question about that. Whether it is done through One District One Factory 1D1F or whichever means we want, Ghana must industrialise. That is the bottom line.
We are in a continent where we do not do much business with ourselves. Intra-trade is about 3 per cent, but we do business with the rest of the world. Even where we have created an AfCTA, we are not taking advantage of it. We have not put in any preparation that shows to anyone that Ghana wants to improve trade with its own neighbours. These are the things.
M
y Hon Brother talked about continuity. I am not quite sure whether we get to know about continuity when we go to opposition or when we are in government. This is because the Komenda Sugar Factory was handed over to the Minority eight years ago. They forget about continuity, but all of a sudden, they have remembered continuity. Ghana does not produce a grain, not even a grain of sugar. If one goes to Uganda, it has over 20 sugar factories. We do not produce a single grain of sugar in this country.
A previous government put up a Komenda Sugar Factory; then for eight years, the immediate past Government had issues with it and bringing in people to take over the sugar factory. Eight years later, the factory is not working and Ghana still does not produce a grain of sugar. So, I am glad about continuity, and we will continue things that needs to be continued. For me, 1D1F did not work, and that is not the argument here. We have the 24- Hour Economy, yes; they do not want to hear that, but for the next four years, they would hear about 24-Hour Economy.
For the situation that we are in at the moment, we believe that is the way to go. We need to be able to produce more. We are not producing more in this country, so the 24-Hour Economy will enable us to triple what we are currently producing. It will enable us to get more people to work. Where one person works, in the future, it will be three people working. If the Minority does not want this, what do they really want?
We talk about unemployment, and it is through the roof at the moment. We need to get our people working. Young people do not have jobs to do and we need to create jobs for them, not just for the fun of it, but for us to be able to produce. The former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources talked about import substitution. What is import substitution? We need to be able to produce the things before we can substitute them.
We cannot just pass a law banning importation of things without having a replacement for what we are banning. That is what we have endured in the last few years, where we have people who are promoting the ban of things we do not produce in this country. So, when we start producing those things, then we can actually start stopping certain things from coming into the country. But if we do not produce them and we ban them, we are actually going to increase prices.
The former Minister also talked about—What is it called? He tried to— What was he talking about? He talked about, basically, looking at what the Americans are doing by being a protectionist. Do we want to protect and export? What do we really want to do? He wants to protect our economy and not bring people in, but does he want to export to somebody else? It is import and export; we export what we are good at, and import what we are not good at. This is so that we would be able to bring things into this country, either as capital good or something, to produce them.
We are endowed with so many things in this country; yet, we do not do much to it. So, the 24-Hour Economy is about value addition. Agribusiness, which has been added to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, is basically about value addition, that we are adding value to the agricultural produce that we have in the agricultural sector; that is what agribusiness is. Add value to it before it is either exported or consumed, so that we would be able to improve the shelf life.
We can add value to something that would rot in 10 days and keep it for years, and be able to increase the value when we export it.
So, this is an important Statement by the former Minister, but it looks as if we become a bit more knowledgeable about things when we get into opposition. When we are in government, we do not remember some of these things, but we do remember them when we get into opposition. I do believe that we will get our act together. We will work together on this for Ghana to be able to turn into a manufacturing economy. That is the only way we can survive as a country and take advantage of this AfCTA that we keep talking about.
Many a time, we sign agreements, but we do no preparation for those agreements and others take advantage of us, but we cannot take advantage of them. So, as we go along signing agreements, we also have to look at how those agreements will actually benefit us, as a country, and not sit down for somebody to take advantage of us and say that we have the AfCTA headquarters sitting in Accra. And so what? What benefit are we getting out of that? Those are the things we need to look at.
Mr Speaker, I would like to end here; this is going to be a very long conversation for many years to come. I thank you.
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