B5 Plus urges import bans on goods Ghana can produce

Mukesh Thakwani, Chairman of B5 Plus, has urged the Ghanaian government to prohibit the import of goods that can be produced domestically. In a media interview with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Thakwani argued that boosting local industry could generate jobs, stimulate exports, and decrease the country's expenditure on imported goods.

He pointed out that the iron and steel manufacturing sector remains underutilized, with capacity at less than 50 percent. Thakwani suggested that increased production could benefit both Ghana and neighboring West African nations.

Thakwani urged the government to reassess the ongoing importation of products that local businesses could manufacture, also questioning the tax treatments of certain imported goods. He urged stronger support for local manufacturers as part of the country's industrial development, trade, and job creation goals. The appeal did not specify particular importers or list specific products for potential restrictions.

Thakwani emphasized that investing in local production could conserve foreign exchange while creating additional employment opportunities.

Thakwani further discussed B5 Plus's operations, highlighting the company's investment in prefabrication capacity. He emphasized the company's ISO certification and a Kaizen approach to continuous improvement as part of its commitment to quality. Thakwani recognized the GRA's acknowledgment of B5 Plus's tax compliance and expressed his commitment to corporate citizenship, good governance, continued investment, job creation, and fulfilling tax obligations.