Review standards required for imports to stimulate local consumption

Political Parties outside Parliament (PPOP) have backed the president’s call for all well-meaning Ghanaians to help move the country from its current economic crisis by consuming locally-produced or sourced products.

According to the group of political parties that have no parliamentary seats, it is only by ensuring strong economic fundamentals through local production and consumption that would help build a strong economy. It is long overdue for a review of the standards required for imports into the country.

“We therefore agree with the president to prioritize imports as well review the management of our forex in relation to products such as; rice, poultry, vegetable oil, toothpicks, pasta, fruit juice, bottle water, etc. in favour of local production”. It was mentioned at a press conference by the group in Accra on Tuesday, 8 November 2022.

“In all circumstances, measures to stabilize fiscal and monetary policies arise when our primary production for local consumption is far outstripped by imports. However, it is telling us the fundamentals have not been right for envisaged positive results, taking us back again to appropriate hands-on leadership and management.”

PPOP include Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Great Consolidated Popular (GCPP), National Democratic Party (NDP), United Progressive Party (UPP), People’s National Convention (PNC), Power Unity Party (PUP), Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), among others.

The group has applauded President Akufo-Addo for his sincerity in admitting that Ghana is currently going through an economic crisis and appeals to the government to ensure hands-on leadership for economic self-reliance.

“Never before has the matrix of economic fundamentals of self-reliance been as clear as the cedi crumbles under the weight of the dollar. We agree with his excellency the Vice President Mahamud Bawumia when postulated that when the fundamentals are weak, the exchange rate will expose you” the press statement mentioned.

The Political Parties outside Parliament have expressed a strong conviction that there can be a quick positive turn around when adequate hands-on leadership and management are applied to every measure outlined for improvement of Ghana’s forex and also to stabilize fiscal/monetary policy management.