Government targets bigger markets for local businesses under 24-hour economy

The Head of Strategy at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Abdul-Nasser Alidu, has announced that the government is developing new policies to expand market opportunities for Ghanaian businesses through public procurement, export promotion, and stronger local content measures.

According to him, the strategy aims to make locally manufactured products more competitive while creating sustainable markets for businesses.

Speaking at the CEOs Business Forum on the 24-Hour Economy on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Alidu said the government is proposing amendments to the Public Procurement Act to give locally produced goods a competitive advantage.

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"We have proposed a margin of preference of about 30% for Ghanaian goods so that if you produce the goods in Ghana and you are 30% more expensive than imports, you will still be the preferred choice," he said.

He added that the government is also proposing that 50% of all public procurement be reserved for locally produced goods.

"We have also proposed that 50% of government purchases should be from Ghanaian producers," he stated.

Alidu explained that the government is also working directly with poultry importers to create a reliable market for locally produced chicken instead of competing against importers.

"We are engaging the importers and getting them to sign off-take agreements with local producers so that they buy from them at competitive prices," he said.

He stressed that the broader objective is to create long-term demand for Ghanaian products rather than relying on temporary subsidies.

"The most important thing for us is to create long-term sustainable markets," he noted.

Alidu also said the government is working to remove bottlenecks affecting exporters by improving certification processes, reforming trade systems, and introducing a green lane at the ports.

"We are doing everything to address the constraints facing exports and to support businesses in meeting the certification and quality standards required in destination markets," he added.

ANAS/MA

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