Protect Environment, Local Industries In Economic Policy — OPDAG To Govt

Paul Kwabena Amaning, the President of the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana (OPDAG), has urged the government to adopt an economic model that prioritizes environmental protection while exploiting the country’s mineral resources, particularly gold. In a Facebook post, Mr. Amaning argued that implementing protective measures for the environment will not only help local industries but also prevent intense competition from cheap imported goods.

He highlighted that Ghana's economic challenges cannot be resolved through partisan rhetoric or blame games among political actors. Mr. Amaning emphasized the need to move beyond the entrenched "blame game" and focus on identifying pragmatic, innovative, and sustainable solutions to transform Ghana's natural resources into long-term economic prosperity.

He pointed out that while the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi may seem positive in the short term, it is not a sign of structural economic transformation if domestic productive capacity remains limited and local enterprises continue to face competition from imported goods. Mr. Amaning advocated for a more deliberate and strategic engagement between the government and the private sector, especially with experienced business leaders who have practical knowledge in investment, production, value addition, and wealth creation.

He believes that Ghana can benefit more from its abundant gold resources by adopting a balanced approach that considers environmental protection and the development of other productive sectors. Mr. Amaning called for leadership that is willing to make tough decisions, engage stakeholders beyond the political class, and pursue policies that bolster domestic production.