Sunyani: The government will soon implement a tax waiver on agro-processing machines, as announced by Mr. Sampson Ahi, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry. This initiative aims to bolster investor confidence, enhance access to modern technology, and stimulate economic growth and development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ahi disclosed this plan during the Bono Regional Agribusiness dialogue, organized by the ministry with support from Agri Impact in Sunyani. The dialogue, themed 'Resetting Agribusiness for Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Growth,' was attended by stakeholders from the agro-business value chain, including processors and entrepreneurs from the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions. The event aimed to gather insights and expertise to aid the ministry in formulating a long-term development plan for the agri-business sector.
The dialogue also highlighted regional agribusiness priorities, such as harnessing agricultural productivity for entrepreneurship, commercial seed incubation, smallholder inclusive productivity, and market access projects. Mr. Ahi emphasized the importance of formulating effective policies to make the agricultural sector more inclusive for women, young people, and Persons with Disabilities, thereby fostering a conducive environment for private sector growth.
He reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the local manufacturing sector, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. With support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) under the Rural Enterprise Programme, the ministry has empowered the GRATIS Foundation to manufacture agro-processing equipment for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on imported machines and promote local content.
Furthermore, Mr. Ahi noted that empowering the GRATIS Foundation would support the government's agro-industrialization drive, contributing to socio-economic development by creating job opportunities and stimulating innovation for economic growth.
Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboah, the Bono Regional Minister, praised the ministry for organizing the dialogue, which he believes will help harness the region's agri-business potential. He described the region as one of the nation's 'agricultural powerhouses,' highlighting the potential of the cashew and poultry sectors, and stressed the need for modern machines and processors to transform these prospects into wealth creation opportunities.
