Open letter to Alan Kyerematen - Making ‘one district, one factory’ work
The funfair is over, the swearing-in and the inauguration have taken place; hence the party colours must be shelved for the One Ghana flag. It is time for hard work with all Ghanaians on board. The manifesto, the 40-year development plan and other ongoing projects must be the focus going forward. This is the only way to address the challenges confronting us such as unemployment, corruption, poor sanitation, destruction of the environment — especially our water bodies through galamsey — economic challenges and many more, as proud citizens of Ghana and not sitting on the fence as spectators on a football field.
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The fact that youth unemployment played a major role in the 2016 election cannot be overemphasised. The extent of the involvement of the youth in the victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was so overwhelming, with the great expectation that as a party that promotes the private sector growth and development, the economy will be managed so prudently that jobs could be created through new initiatives such as One-District – One-Factory (ODOF), One-Village-One-Dam (OVOD) promises of the NPP or, better still, provide a conducive atmosphere where existing businesses will be able to expand to absorb the teeming unemployed graduates and artisans. Others whose businesses collapsed as a result of ‘dumsor’ and other harsh economic conditions, coupled with the insatiable taste for imported goods, will also be revived to employ more people. Again, with reduced tax and a broadened tax base, the tax burden will be lighter for business growth.
It is in view of the above premise that all efforts should be made to ensure the success of the NPP government, especially the policy of ODOF, not because those factories alone will be able to solve all the unemployment challenges in the country. The multiplier effects of promoting local businesses are where the benefits are. It is essential that competent and committed managers are appointed to man those entities, whether in state hands or private hands.
One of the most essential ingredients in the success equation is the patronage of goods and services produced in the factories by Ghanaians and for Ghanaians. It is, therefore, critical to encourage patronage of the products and services to be generated from the initiatives under the ODOF programme as an import substitution agenda to enhance foreign exchange conservation and possible appreciation in the value of the Ghana Cedi against its major trading currencies and its effect on inflation, cost of living and so on. The following are the suggestions that could help attain the objectives of the programme through patronage by Ghanaians and for Ghanaians.
Clothing and textiles
The traditional clothes that are worn by Ghanaians, if produced in Ghana, could create numerous jobs for our people. If we even target pupils and students in both public and private primary, junior high school (JHS), senior high school (SHS) or universities to patronise traditional wear made of Ghanaian fabric per day(s), week or month, the producing factories will thrive. These are the students who will seek employment in the very near future. If the students and their parents patronise the products now, the factories will grow, expand and create avenue for them to work after school.
The Friday wear that was introduced during the J.A. Kufuor administration should consciously be increased to three days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) if not all days. We must encourage companies to wear it more, for example five days in a week and institute awards for the best company per region. When this is done, the number of staff disengaged by ATL, JTL and GTP will be recalled and the companies will expand to employ more people.
Local footwear day
I remember in the 1980s a particular boys’ and girls’ sandals was produced in Ghana and patronised by schoolchildren in Ghana, which used to be called “Achimota Sandals”. We can do it again. We can cut the imports and build the sense of pride in what is produced locally. We need examples from leaders as in his ‘evidence-based’ state of the nation address, the former President, Mr John Mahama, wore Horseman shoes and encouraged Ghanaians to patronise made-in-Ghana goods. We can do more. Look at how Kalyppo caught up during the 2016 political campaigns. The youth in Ghana could lead these efforts in their own interest.
Food items, beverages
We should introduce a Special Day for selected products and promote them. For example, Cashew nuts Day, Kalyppo Day, Ghanaian Wine Day, etc. and companies and institutions should be encouraged to buy for their staff, and households should patronise as part of their civic responsibility and show of patriotism and belief in Ghana. It must also be patronised by ministries, metropolitans, municipalities, districts, departments and agencies for their meetings (including board meetings). Companies should be made to report (with evidence) on the patronage of goods and services from these factories as a competition on the volume of patronage of the products from the ODOF entities. A living example is the Chocolate Day that the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey introduced to ‘replace’ Valentine’s Day to the extent that nowadays, churches buy chocolates for their members on Chocolate Day.
Presidential/ministerial farming days
In order for the industries to impact the lives of Ghanaians, especially farmers, we should consider introducing President’s, Ministers’, Parliamentarians’ or Cabinet Go-To-Farm Day. This will encourage the youth and older farmers as well. The Youth in Agriculture programme could better be enhanced to reduce unemployment as they get ready market for their produce. This will, in the long run, promote agriculture to supply raw materials to the agro-based factories. The Block Farming concept could be employed in this regard to motivate people to go into agriculture to produce raw materials for the factories.
Open days for community and students
Set a day (open day) for each factory where people in the districts, students and others will visit them. The sense of ownership could be enhanced.
Opportunity for industrial attachment
Students could use those factories for practical learning to improve on their technical know-how. It is worth mentioning that the technical universities will benefit a lot from such practical trainings.
Sense of ownership of communities
Though professionally run, a community’s sense of ownership is important. There should be ‘Yeneea Yedea’ Campaign for local support of the factories in their localities. However, care should be taken not to encourage interference that can negatively affect their operations.
Adoption by professional bodies
We should also group experts to offer free advisory services to the managers of the company to ensure their growth and sustainability (e.g. Professionals for Change) in the form of a meet-the-professionals series to trade ideas on the workings of the factories.
Performance rating and awards
The Ministry of Trade and Industry could consider the institution of competitive awards among the factories with a pre-determined criteria. They should reprimand those whose performances are below standard. Performance contract should be signed in public with the President and the minister.
I pledge to do my part by patronising made-in-Ghana goods for myself and my family. What about you?