Accra: The former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has come under scrutiny over the One District, One Factory (1D1F) program, with some Members of Parliament (MPs) alleging abuse of incentives. In response, Mr. Micheal Okyere Baafi, the Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry Committee of Parliament, explained the programme's details, emphasizing its two-tier system, standardized incentives, and thorough vetting process.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Okyere Baafi clarified that the programme is structured as a two-tier system encompassing both greenfield and brownfield businesses. He noted that the government's role is limited to facilitation, with incentives being standardized across the board. Addressing a section of the media in Parliament House, Accra, Mr. Okyere Baafi outlined the rigorous procedures involved in the programme, including inspections, studies, hiring consultants, and reviewing financials to ensure the profitability and viability of businesses.
Mr. Okyere Baafi made it clear that the programme does not restrict each district to only one business; rather, multiple businesses can operate within a district and still be part of the 1D1F initiative. The primary goal is to have at least one factory or business in each district, contributing to industrialization and economic growth.
The Ranking Member highlighted the significance of incentives in driving industrialization and economic progress, asserting that such incentives are crucial for the country's development. He also reiterated that the programme is designed to support private sector-led growth, with the government's involvement being strictly facilitative.
Mr. Okyere Baafi, who is also the NPP MP for New Juaben South, refuted the allegations of abuse, stating that there is no evidence to support such claims. He emphasized that the established procedures of the programme are intended to ensure its effectiveness and transparency. The 1D1F programme by the previous NPP government aimed to promote industrialization and economic growth by encouraging businesses to set up in each district, with the overarching objective of having at least one factory or business in every district in Ghana.
