{
  "id": 6301650,
  "title": "B5 Plus calls for import bans on goods Ghana can produce",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/b5-plus-calls-for-import-bans-on-goods-ghana-can-produce",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T16:38:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/business/b5-plus-calls-for-import-bans-on-goods-ghana-can-produce/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mukesh Thakwani, Chairman of B5 Plus, has urged the government to ban the importation of goods that Ghana has the capacity to produce. In a media engagement with the Ghana Revenue Authority, Thakwani argued that stronger support for local industry could create jobs, increase exports, and reduce spending on imported goods. He highlighted that domestic production capacity was underutilized, with manufacturers currently operating at less than 50% capacity. Thakwani stated that these businesses had the potential to expand their output and cater not only to Ghana's needs but also to the West African market. He urged the government to review the continued importation of products that local manufacturers can produce and raised concerns about exemptions given to certain competing imports. Thakwani also questioned the tax treatment of certain imported goods, emphasizing that local manufacturers needed stronger support. He did not specify any particular importers or list the products that should face restrictions. Thakwani stressed that boosting local production could help Ghana conserve foreign exchange, create more employment, and strengthen the country's industrial base. He also mentioned B5 Plus's investment in prefabrication capacity, noting the company's ISO certification and commitment to continuous improvement through the Kaizen approach. Thakwani acknowledged the GRA's recognition of B5 Plus's tax compliance, expressing humility and a commitment to further contributing to the country's development and prosperity. He affirmed B5 Plus's dedication to responsible corporate citizenship, good governance, continued investment, job creation, and meeting its tax obligations.",
  "summary": "B5 Plus Chairman Mukesh Thakwani has called on the government to ban the importation of products that can be manufactured in Ghana, arguing that stronger support for local industry could create jobs, boost exports and reduce spending on imported goods. Speaking during a media engagement with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr Thakwani said domestic […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}