The Minister of Trade, Industry, and Agribusiness, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has pledged to resolve ongoing land disputes affecting businesses in Ghana through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Her intervention aims to ease the burden of prolonged litigation, mitigate financial and reputational risks, and create a more secure environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), ultimately leading to job creation and economic growth.
During a recent visit to B5 Plus Group, the Dawa Industrial Zone, and the Bright International Free Zone, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare engaged with industry players who raised concerns over land litigation, tax exemptions on machinery, and import tariffs on locally producible goods.
In response, the minister assured businesses that ADR would provide a faster and more efficient resolution to land disputes.
“I will resolve these land litigations through ADR, which is a quicker and more convenient approach. I’ve already spoken with the National Security Coordinator, and within a week, a meeting will be held to initiate the process,” she stated.
Beyond addressing land-related challenges, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized her commitment to working with the Minister of Finance and other relevant ministries to stabilize Ghana’s economy and create a favorable business climate.
She also acknowledged the importance of worker safety in industrial zones, stating, “As much as I advocate for job creation, I want workers to operate in an environment that upholds dignity, safety, and comfort.”
The minister also vowed to collaborate with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to curb the importation and smuggling of inferior goods into the country.
“We welcome imports, but not cheap or substandard ones. Smuggling must also be addressed. We will work closely with the Minister of Finance and the GRA to ensure fair trade practices,” she assured.
Mr. Richard Kwame Frimpong, Managing Director of the Dawa Industrial Zone, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to developing infrastructure that aligns with the government’s industrialization agenda.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wilson Wu, General Manager of Greenhouse International Development Ghana Ltd, highlighted the potential for Ghana to shift from an import-dependent economy to an export-driven one, provided industries receive the necessary support.
He pledged to attract more investors to Ghana, stating, “With the right policies in place, we can generate more tax revenue, create jobs, and develop a stronger economy.”
