The Foundation for Grass Roots Initiatives in Africa (GRASSROOTSAFRICA) and representatives of civil society organisations in Bolgatanga have appealed to the government to impose import tariffs on goods that can be produced in the country.
They asked that prices for locally produced goods be stabilized and credit facilities made accessible and affordable to local investors.
These were contained in a communiqué after a one day training workshop on the 'International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and their impact on livelihoods in Ghana', organized by GRASSROOTSAFRICA, an NGO that works to improve the lives of the poor and disadvantaged.
It appealed to the Government to make the provision of water to the three northern regions a policy priority and lift tariffs on the importation of water services equipment.
"The provisioning of water services should be the responsibility of the state and the management of water facilities and resources remain in the hands of the state", they said.
Participants expressed concern that trade liberalization policies rather had a negative impact on the people of northern Ghana and reduced agricultural productivity, thus causing perennial food shortages and malnutrition in the area.
It had also opened up the Ghanaian market to all sorts of imported goods that had negatively influenced the consumption pattern of the people.
Mr. Rudolf Amenga-Etego, Executive Director of Grass Roots Africa, said while there was a general agreement that trade could be a powerful tool for development, rapid trade liberalization did not on its own automatically lead to positive development outcomes.
He said countries should be able to choose the trade policy option that best suited their development needs.
"It is increasingly recognized that when countries apply trade liberalization before they have consolidated strong economies and institutions, de-industrialisation often ensues", he said.
Mr. Isaac Nsor Amoah, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, it was crucial for all Ghanaians to advocate for an improvement in the relationship between the country and IFIs in order that a more fruitful development regime would be established and maintained.
Source: GNA.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Armed robbery gang in Akatsi South jailed 125 years
57 seconds -
Ghana’s path to greatness is clear, says Akufo-Addo
5 minutes -
Mahama reaffirms commitment to creating a nation that works for all in Christmas message
10 minutes -
Listen to the Ghanaians – Prof. Yendaw tells ORAL team
18 minutes -
Election 2024: This is not the outcome NPP hoped for – Stephen Ntim
2 hours -
Ghanaian comedy shows held in 2024
8 hours -
Hohoe MP-elect vows to weaken NPP’s influence ahead of future elections
9 hours -
Women of Valour heads to Paris in 2025
9 hours -
Joseph Keys releases new single ‘Yonko Pa’
9 hours -
Human rights court declares New Nation School’s treatment of students as harsh
10 hours -
Polo Beach Club defies injunction on Dec. 22; noise concerns raised
11 hours -
I wish new leaders strength to rule Ghana – Akufo-Addo
11 hours -
Joseph Paintsil reflects on a stellar debut season with LA Galaxy
11 hours -
I urge security to take firm stance against post-election violence – Akufo-Addo
11 hours -
Akufo-Addo delivers Christmas message in final yuletide address to Ghanaians
11 hours