The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) is a not-for-profit organisation, registered in Ghana. AGI was established 1958 by a group of indigenous manufacturers, led by Dr (Mrs) Esther Ocloo. Today, AGI has more than 1000 members from all over Ghana and is considered to be the leading voice of the private sector. 

OBJECTIVES

AGI’s main objectives are to contribute substantially to the growth and development of industries in Ghana and to create a business climate, which will allow Ghanaian companies to be internationally competitive. 

ADVOCACY & DIALOGUE
AGI advocates for policies that will

• enhance the effectiveness of markets
• strengthen the competitiveness of local industries
• generate opportunities for private business
• create employment in all regions of Ghana.

AGI pro-actively dialogues for:

• Conducive industrial policies
• Removal of excessive bureaucracy
• Reforms of the corporate tax system
• Modernisation of infrastructure
• Demand oriented vocational training systems

In recent years AGI successfully lobbied for:

• The passage of the Vat Deferment Act on imported raw materials.
• The reduction in Corporate Tax from 32.5% to 25%.
• The Public Procurement Act to assist the local business community to supply to the public sector. AGI members are qualified suppliers under this act.
• A reduction of the Withholding Tax and National Reconstruction Levy.
• Review of the Domestic Content Bill to promote development of SMEs.

Ongoing advocacy activities:

• Annual inputs to the Public Budget (GoG)
• Further reduction of corporate taxes, levies and fees for the industrial sector
• Modernisation of infrastructure for industrial development
• Reform of the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET)  
• Implementation and monitoring of the Private Sector Development Strategy 2004 – 2008
• Promotion of products “Made in Ghana”
• Annual National Business Climate Surveys
• Sector Surveys and Analysis

OTHER SERVICES
In addition to Advocacy& Lobbying AGI provides the following services to members:

• Business information
• Policy Forums & workshops
• Matchmaking programs
• Networking events
• Trade missions
• Joint trade fair participation
• ECOWAS Ghana-Solo-Exhibition-Program

STRUCTURES

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is the highest policy making body whilst the National Council acts as the Board governing the affairs of the Association in between AGMs.

The National Council comprises seven Elected Members, Regional Branch Chairmen, Sector Chairmen and Representatives of Associate Members. It is headed by the AGI President, who is assisted by two Vice Presidents and a National Treasurer.

The National Office is located at the Trade Fair grounds, Addison House. Regional offices in Tema, Takoradi, Kumasi, Tamale and Kpando ensure access of members in all regions.

The Business Development Service (BDS) Division which is located in Accra provides specialised services and implements programs to promote growth and development of small and medium sized companies.

All core activities are funded through membership contributions and grants from private sponsors. Special programs are funded separately through development partners. The BDS unit is managed as a cost centre, which covers its expenses through own income. This ensures sustainability and secures AGI’s independence as the voice of the Ghanaian industries. 

ONGOING PROGRAMS & PROJECTS

AGI is negotiating with Finance Institutions for special facilities designed for SMEs.

The ECOWAS Export Drive supported by GTZ-PPS showcased the potentials of more than 100 member companies to other markets of the sub-region. Many participants could establish long-term business relationships and increased their exports.

The Subcontracting & Partnership Exchange (SPX Ghana) of AGI is a matchmaking mechanism between small and large manufacturing industries.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES - BDS

The BDS Division offers the following specialised services against cost covering fees:

• Market Research
• Management Training
• Business Plan Development
• Specialised consultancy services

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to all companies engaged in manufacturing or provision of services for the manufacturing sector. Not-for-profit organisations can become associate members.

AGI has over 1000 registered members with an active membership of about 550 companies. About a quarter are medium and large scale industries while three-quarters belong to the micro and small scale category.

The Greater Accra Region (including Tema) has the highest number of members, followed by the Ashanti and the Volta Region. AGI also has members in the Western, Central and Northern Regions.

SECTORS

Sectors covered by AGI members:

• Advertisements
• Automotive Services
• Banking and Finance
• Drugs & Chemicals
• Electrical & Electronics
• Energy
• Food, Drinks & Beverages
• Garments & Knitting 
• Information Technology (IT)
• Leather, Rubber & Plastic
• Metals & Building Products
• Miscellaneous Services
• Printing, Stationery & Packaging
• Telecommunications
• Textiles 
• Toiletries & Cosmetics
• Transport Utilities
• Wood Processing

This broad membership base provides excellent opportunities for networking. Become a member and utilize these opportunities! Application forms are available at all offices.

Last updated: September 2007