The General Secretary of the Ghana Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Samuel Aggrey, has raised alarm over the increasingly dire economic situation in Ghana.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Aggrey highlighted the exodus of multinational companies due to the unfavourable taxation policies and economic conditions prevailing in the country.
He underscored the need to address these issues to prevent a further economic downturn.
“The situation is getting dire. If you look at companies and service providers like Glovo, Jumia, Game, and others contemplating the possibility of leaving because of the economic situation we have.
“If you look at the taxation policy that we have in this country, it is actually not helping some of these businesses who have come in and invested so much,” he said.
In recent years, Ghana has faced significant economic challenges characterised by high inflation rates, fiscal deficits, and currency depreciation.
Also, the country has grappled with structural issues such as high public debt levels, limited diversification of the economy, and inefficiencies in public sector management. These factors have contributed to a lack of investor confidence, hindering foreign direct investment and economic development.
Therefore, Mr Aggrey is concerned about the increasing departure of international companies.
He highlighted the irony of Ghana’s self-proclaimed status as the gateway to Africa juxtaposed with the harsh realities faced by investors on the ground.
Despite the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment, he noted that the current economic climate is deterring rather than encouraging multinational companies to establish and maintain operations in the country.
“We tout ourselves as the gateway to Africa and encourage investors to come to Africa, particularly Ghana, to do business. But when you come in and you invest, you realise that it is a different ball game altogether.”
He therefore stressed the importance of re-evaluating existing policies to make Ghana a more attractive destination for multinational corporations.
He urged policymakers to consider the impact of taxation policies on the economy and the sustainability of foreign investments in the country.