As an umbrella private sector business association charged with the responsibility of private sector business development in this country, the Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF) is concerne9 about the low patronage of Made-in-Ghana goods. There seems to be an unexplained preference for foreign goods, as opposed to locally manufactured goods. Such consumer attitudes impact negatively on the growth of local industries and the situation

This Report is in response to an invitation from the Private Enterprise Foundation, PEF, to submit a technical proposal to provide consulting services for the study on the Impact of Power Outages on Manufacturing Industries in Ghana. This assignment was undertaken as part of PEF's key strategic objective to maintain a close relationship with private sector business organizations and as a lead organization that plays an advocacy role in influencing policies and regulations of government.

During the 1960s and 1970s most developing countries including Ghana: - were of the strong convict­ion that governments alone reserved the right to promote and advance the cause of national economic development.In the 1980s and 1990s- however- the conviction yielded to the pursuit of a market economy as the vehicle for the promotion of entrepreneurial development- which leads to a more efficient allocation of resources and motivates business creation and expansion. Consequently developing countries are now relocating the drive of economic development from government to the private sector.

The  Private  Enterprise  Foundation   (PEF)  is  an  umbrella  private  sector  body devoted  to the orderly   and  healthy  development   of  the  private   sector   in  Ghana   through   ad roach   and promotion.   In the discharge of this responsibility PEF is involved in policy dialogue to ensure that policies favor the smooth growth of the private sector.   In February 2000, PEF organized a  workshop  on the theme "Building  Partnership   with Parliamentary  Committees  - A Private Sector/Legislature Network on Policy  and Laws for Effective  Governance"  for members of 3 relevant  committees   of  parliament   with  a  view  to  striking  the  necessary  relationship   and acquaintances  to facilitate its advocacy role.  Later events however did not allow for the full implementation    of   the   recommendations of   that   workshop.