S. African investers to help promote agribusiness
A number of investors in the agribusiness sector in South Africa have indicated their intention to identify and partner Ghanaian agribusinesses for the advancement of the sector in the two countries.
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The businessmen made their intentions known when they conferred with the Vice-President, Mr Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, and the Trade and Industry Minister, Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, on the fringes of the just-ended World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa.
The prospective investors are currently seeking to identify suitable Ghanaian partners in the business to join hands with them in their quest to expand the agribusiness sectors in Ghana and South Africa.
Investment climate
Mr Amissah-Arthur, who assured the team of investors of a stable and conducive investment climate in Ghana, indicated that the government had created the conditions for guaranteed returns on investments.
He told the team that Ghana’s stable democracy, coupled with its positive economic indicators, had made it an attractive investment destination and so they must take advantage and invest in Ghana.
He said the economy was beginning to show signs of stability after suffering a setback as a result of external shocks and added that in spite of those difficulties, the government did not introduce new controls.
On the justice delivery system, Mr Amissah-Arthur, who mentioned peace and tranquillity as Ghana’s best assets, assured the investors of a just judicial system, saying that the system in the country was fair to all manner of persons.
Trade Minister
Dr Spio-Garbrah gave an assurance that Ghana offered fantastic investment opportunities and that the natural resources that abound in the country offered mining opportunities as well.
He said the government had put in place a national export promotion strategy designed to, among other things, add value to Ghana’s traditional export products, as well as the cotton value chain.
Taking the team through statistical figures on Ghana’s trade and investment portfolio, the minister said the Ghana Investment Promotions Council (GIPC) offered incentives to investors, adding that the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), which served as a platform for businesses, had a membership of about 1,200.
He assured the South African investors of the many avenues available to them and asked them to seek the necessary advice and support from the AGI and other business-oriented organisations in Ghana.