Importation of fake goods is a concern - Mrs Kyei

Accra, June 12, GNA - Mrs Efua Goode-Obeng Kyei, Director of EKGS Culinary Institute, has called on government to monitor the unbridled importation of goods and equipment for local industries to grow.

She said people continue to import substandard goods and equipment and this has affected the quality of products, saying ''it does not make sense to use scarce foreign exchange to import goods that can be produced locally''.

Mrs Kyei said this at the graduation of 105 students of EKGS Culinary Institute, who had undergone training in cake making and decorating, pastry arts and floral decor.

The programme was held under the theme: 'Harnessing the Potential of the Youth to Attain Sustainable Development Goals'.

Mrs Kyei commended government for setting up a taskforce to monitor the influx of uncustomed wax prints on the market and suggested that, the taskforce should help eliminate substandard imported goods for local industries grow.

She also commended government for scrapping some taxes including those placed on imported spare parts and urged government to go further by extending the tax cuts to the culinary sector of the hospitality industry.

Mrs Kyei said the Ghana Standard Authority and the Foods and Drugs Authority should be equipped to carry out its mandate of safeguarding the people's health and safety.

She appealed to government to turn its attention to the hospitality sector because the sector had the potential to grow the economy, if it was given attention.

Mrs Kyei said the private sector would thrive if the items the sector imports to carry out its activities do not attract high import duties as they serve as a disincentive to potential entrepreneurs who are scared away by the high cost of equipment needed.

She said from July 1, the Institute would introduce Advance Wedding Cakes and Dessert Cakes to the public.

Mrs Kyei advised the graduates to dream high, work hard, be determined and guided by God to surmount any challenges on their way to success.

Dr Okoe Boye, Member of Parliament for Ledzekuku Constituency, said the hospitality industry plays a critical role in harnessing the talents of the youth for economic development and that government was committed to help drive that agenda.

He said the country has witnessed economic turbulence with high interest rates and deficits adding that he was confident that situation would improve to create the needed enabling environment for private sector investment.

He urged the graduates to be focussed, creative and believe in their skills to achieve their intended dreams.

Ms Georgina Nyamekye, on behalf of the students, thanked management of the Institute for the opportunity and pledged their commitment to impart the knowledge acquired for the benefit of the society.

GNA

By Kodjo Adams, GNA