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Indeed we have cases where there is capital flight; I say that charity begins
at home. Let’s look at our private sector, look at our local entrepreneurs.
There were some who were doing very well years ago. Where are
they now? When you talk about Ghanaian economic giants who are they?
I would rather talk about Ghanaian economic giants, boast about them,
rather than refer to FDIs whose loyalty to the Ghanaian economy may not
always be the kind that we want. They have problems and the problems
are well known. We should tackle them and that is the way to gain confidence,
and mind you FDIs may come when they know that Ghanaians
themselves are investing in the economy.
Follow up question:
What are your priority areas regarding the Ghanaian entrepreneur?
Prof. Mills:
Industry, Manufacturing, Agriculture. When you come to industry, what
industrial establishments do we have now? These are the sources of employment
for a number of our people. We are importing everything. When
it comes to agriculture, I made that statement that agriculture has collapsed.
What happened to the poultry industry? How many poultry farmers
can say that they are doing well?
When you look at fishing, we are importing fish into the country. When
you look at livestock, what is happening in these areas? I think that with
manufacturing, we must be able to manufacture, using our local raw materials.
I will therefore place very much emphasis on agriculture. Agro processing
is one area where you can ensure food security and also produce
for export. So it’s a combination of factors, but I know Ghanaians are
experts in these areas and can be relied upon.
Question:
What strategies do you have for Ghanaian industries to benefit from trade
within ECOWAS?
Prof. Mills:
Well, I am happy that there is emphasis on leadership, and it is coming
from people who have worked in government for 7 or 8 years. The prob-
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