The Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment in which businesses can operate, expand and create jobs.
She said the government’s regular engagement with industries is aimed at identifying challenges, addressing operational concerns and ensuring that businesses meet required standards.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare further explained that her ministry’s approach to supporting industry involves bringing relevant stakeholders together whenever businesses encounter challenges.
Factory visit
The Minister was speaking during a factory tour of Focus Technology Company Ltd at Gomoa Akoti in the Central Region on Monday, August 10.
The visit was aimed at addressing the company’s electricity billing challenge with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), touring the factory and interacting with staff to gain first-hand information about its operations.
Through the ministry's intervention, Mrs Ofosu-Adjare brought together the leadership of ECG’s Regional Commercial Unit and the company’s management to resolve the billing issue and other challenges affecting smooth production at the factory.
She stressed that reliable electricity is essential to industrialisation, adding that there can be no meaningful industrial development without adequate power and commended the ECG officials for responding promptly to the ministry’s request.
The Minister linked the intervention to President John Dramani Mahama’s industrialisation agenda, stressing that businesses that create jobs and contribute to the economy will receive government support through an enabling business environment.
"Today we are here at Focus Technology to tour the factory and to resolve a few issues concerning electricity challenges encountered by the company. I want to thank ECG for the prompt response to our call for them to be here. From what I have gathered in respect of electricity, they are working closely with the factory and that is the way to go."
"His Excellency John Draman Mahama is in his industrialisation bid and so any company that is doing well, we will create the enabling environment for you also to thrive," she said.
She also mentioned that Focus Technology is a beneficiary of the government’s MC26 initiative, and said the government would continue to support companies that are performing well.
Employee safety
The Minister also praised Focus Technology for its working environment and commitment to its employees, particularly women.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said she was impressed by the number of women employed at the factory and the clean, spacious and well-ventilated working environment.
She stated that the facility provides workers with accommodation, lunch, and utilities such as electricity and water without requiring them to bear those costs.
According to the Minister, the company has employed more than 500 people, making its contribution to employment and economic activity commendable.
She urged Focus Technology to build on its progress by expanding its operations, while encouraging other industry players and state institutions such as ECG to maintain close cooperation.
Expanding local manufacturing
The Chief Executive Officer of Focus Technology Company Ltd, Dr Andy Benzhou Xu expressed appreciation to the Minister and her team for visiting the company and helping to address challenges confronting the factory.
Dr Xu described the Minister’s visit as a significant occasion for the company, saying management was pleased and honoured to receive her at the factory.
He said the company’s ambition is not only to increase production but also to attract more investors to Ghana.
Dr Xu highlighted Focus Technology’s 21-year presence in Ghana, explaining that the company began its operations primarily through importation but has gradually transitioned into local manufacturing.
He said the company’s long-term objective goes beyond manufacturing to developing Ghanaian talent and building local technical capacity.
He explained that most of the company’s top management positions are occupied by Ghanaians, while Chinese personnel brought into the company mainly serve as engineers.
According to Dr Xu, the Chinese engineers are expected to train Ghanaian workers in operating and managing machinery, after which the engineers can return to China.
"Today is a very special day. We are so happy and honoured to receive our Minister of Trade. Focus in Ghana is already 21 years. We started from importation, now local manufacturing. Our target is talent organisation also. We want to employ more Ghanaians. Even in my company, most of the management, the top management, they are Ghanaians," he said.
Overall, Dr Xu presented Focus Technology’s Ghana operations as evolving from an import-based business into a manufacturing enterprise focused on local production, employment, technology transfer, skills development and attracting further investment into Ghana.
Dispute resolved
According to ECG Central Regional Commercial Manager, Judith Konadu Peprah, the dispute centred on billing and Focus Ltd’s request for a high-voltage (HV) cubicle.
She said ECG explained the billing components to the company, leading to an amicable resolution. Focus Ltd subsequently settled its outstanding bills, resulting in the restoration of power.
Mrs Peprah also assured the company that ECG would work around the clock to secure an HV cubicle to meet its needs.
The meeting was attended by the District Chief Executive of Gomoa Akoti, Margaret Ackom, and Mr Kwesi Frimpong, a friend of the CEO of Focus Ltd.
