Local industries need protection

Even though frozen chicken, otherwise known as ‘mortuary birds’, pose health risks to consumers, we are unable to restore order to the sector because the status quo fits into the agenda of certain interest groups such as importers.

Despite the fact that we all realise the harm unbridled trade liberalisation is causing the local economy, we lack the courage to take action to protect the local industry.

The Daily Graphic is aware of the concerns raised by certain economists that anybody who advocates protectionism must also provide the government with options to deal with the extra cost of protectionism.

There is wisdom in that caution, but our country makes no progress if we continue to provide avenues for the growth of foreign economies through the importation of every conceivable merchandise such as toothpick, used items, textiles and wood products.

We can only protect jobs and create wealth and prosperity if we provide the enabling environment to stimulate local production at all levels.

The Daily Graphic will be the last to advocate autarky, in which we will close our doors to the outside world. Nonetheless, we think the time has come for the country to put in place measures to protect our industries.

We cannot build our economy with solely external support. That support can be meaningful if it complements our own endeavours.

The Daily Graphic believes that there are experiences elsewhere from which we can learn useful lessons in our quest to develop the country.

Many years ago, the economy of China was never a force to reckon with, but today it is the second biggest in the world. At a certain stage in its history, its leaders closed the economy to the outside world and did things that reflected development according to Chinese characteristics.

It is unfortunate that as a country we have allowed our local industries to collapse, while little is done to reverse the situation.

Accra, for instance, used to boast many industrial zones, but most of these factories have been turned into worship centres and warehouses for merchandise from all parts of the world.

In spite of the apparent gloom and doom, there is light at the end of the tunnel as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) explores investment opportunities to revive the poultry and aquaculture sectors.

A Spanish business delegation from Nutreco has held talks with MoFA officials as part of a West African tour to explore opportunities to expand the frontiers of feed production in the country.

The Daily Graphic thinks the move to revive the poultry and acquaculture sectors has come a bit late in the day, but, as they say, it is better late than never.

We urge the government to work hard to revive all local industries as a major step towards boosting the local economy to create wealth and jobs for the teeming unemployed youth, including university graduates.