The Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), wants government to consider introducing a policy to subsidize electricity charges for industry.
The chamber is protesting the astronomical increases in electricity tariff which it says is threatening the survival of businesses.
Industries in Ghana say they continue to reel under the high cost of doing business in Ghana.
According to them, costs associated with the registration of businesses, hiring labour, obtaining capital as well as purchasing utility continue to push some industries out of business.
Meanwhile existing businesses who are skeptical of continuity have appealed to government to consider reducing utility charges so as to reduce their operational costs and enhance their profitability.
President of the GCCI, Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawaso I at the inaugural ceremony of Council and Central Executive members of the GCCI indicated that industry is being threatened with the high cost of electricity bills.
“Seriously my members are complaining; we are also in business as such we feel the same that the cost involved is so high; utility bills, taxes, interest rates among others are all contributing to killing our businesses,
“So we are still pleading that the government will do something about things like this by introducing a policy of subsidies for industry especially when it comes to utility,” he stated.
Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawaso I further cast doubt at the private sector’s ability to employ more and reduce the country’s high unemployment rate.
His basis follows the current problems bedeviling the industry which make it difficult for private businesses to expand and employ.
Though he admits the private sector could compliment government’s efforts in that regard, the GCCI President said that will only happen in a thriving private sector. to employ as government is currently stressed.
“This makes our work very difficult and we cannot employ. Some businesses are folding up especially in Tema…we are still in touch with the government to make sure that some of these things are curtailed,” Nana Dr. Appiagyei Dankawaso I observed.
The Central Executive members of the GCCI include group CEO of Reroy Cables Ltd, Mrs. Kate Quartey Papafio and Ken Thompson, CEO of Dalex Finance.
By: Norvan Acquah – Hayford
