The Association of Ghana Industries welcomes the recent steps taken by Government to stop further spread of the novel Corona virus (Covid-19) in Ghana. Admittedly, the Restrictions Act comes with economic implications, disruptions to business and global supply chains.
Nonetheless, AGI believes Government’s decision to protect lives through the lockdown is most paramount at this time.
Further to this, we welcome Government’s gesture to make available a minimum of GHc 1 billion to alleviate the impact of Covid-19 on businesses, especially SMEs and we look forward to engaging with Government on the modalities for effective implementation of this lifeline package.
It is AGI’s expectation that the necessary measures put in place by Government to ensure continuous delivery of essential services and production of key items under the lockdown will be effective.
We have however, carefully noted a number of genuine concerns raised by businesses over uncertainties surrounding the arrangements in this lockdown.
For these reasons, AGI is engaging Government on the detailed provisions under the lockdown to ensure that business operations are not overly disrupted.
In the meantime, we wish to remind businesses producing essential items or delivering essential services to take note that their employees must always carry their staff ID cards to ease movement, as well as ensure that transport arrangements are in place to facilitate movement of their staff to and from work.
AGI is also working with the Ministry of Trade and Industry to authenticate and facilitate the validation of companies that produce essential goods or services. In view of this, sectors or products which were not listed in the recent directive but for which companies believe are essential and critical for this challenging period should be brought to the attention of AGI for discussion with Government.
Until the situation normalizes, we urge the business community to put in the necessary measures to protect themselves and their staff while adhering to the Covid-19 risk management protocols.
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