Kumasi, Nov 03, GNA - The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has appealed to the government to review duty on imported raw materials since it was working against the growth of local industries. Mr Seth Appeadu, the acting chairman of the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regional branch of AGI, said the present situation where duty on imported raw materials and finished products were the same was seriously affecting their operations.

He appealed to the government to fix different duties for raw materials and finished goods to deter people from importing finished goods to give local industries a leeway to sustain production. Mr Appeadu was speaking at the seventh annual general meeting of the regional branch of AGI in Kumasi on Tuesday. It had as its theme, "Practical Industrial Drive for the Northern Sector of Ghana".

He called for a stronger government-private sector collaboration to achieve the Golden Age of Business vision set out by the President and urged the government to stick to its vision of promoting agro-based industries.

Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, called on local industries to link up with foreign industrialists to enhance their operations.