The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has given assurance to artisans at Suame, a suburb of Kumasi in the Ashanti region, that, his next government will create an “industrial estate” where several companies would be established, should the party be elected into office in the December 7 elections.
John Mahama says relying on the businessmen for levies would not auger well for the state since that puts undue pressure on these traders who sometimes pay more than the value of their wares as levies at the ports.
Speaking to the artisans as part of his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ in the Ashanti region Friday, January 26, 2024, the former President said establishing an industrial estate with the available factors to create industries at ease would go a long way to benefit the state and its citizens than the status quo.
‘Ghanaians will continue to suffer as long as the NPP remains in office’ – Mahama
“We complained of numerous taxes when the NDC was in power but the tax burden is swallowing us today. Many at times the levies we pay at the ports are even more than the cost of the items. Sometimes after making all these payments, you’re stopped on your way to Kumasi to offload your cargo so they can search. Both the offloading and reloading cost would all be borne by you. After that when you’re selling your items, the GRA people will come to your shop and complain that you’re not paying your levies so they will lock your shop.
“There are people here who can build about 10 factories so we shouldn’t concentrate only on those who are selling. The factories can produce clothes, shoes, bags, and etc where we can export to give us foreign exchange. But the government needs to help since establishing a factory requires a lot.
“So, we are planning on establishing an industrial estate where the government would provide electricity, water, construct the roads and lease out the lands to interested individuals to establish their companies and pay rent to the government. That is in our manifesto meaning we are going to do the industrial estate,” he indicated.
Teachers will have ‘new independence day’ in next NDC administration – Mahama
John Mahama has been embarking on a ‘Building Ghana Tour’ to solicit Ghanaians’ ideas to incorporate the NDC Peoples’ Manifesto ahead of the December 7 polls.
