Ghana's middle income status could only be attained if the manufacturing sector's contribution begin to increase, Dr Abu Forster Sakara, running mate for the Convention People's Party (CPP)has said.
Speaking at the vice presidential candidates' debate at Cape Coast in Central Region on Friday, he added that products of the manufacturing sector must also be competitive at the international market.
He said the country must focus on increasing productivity by investing more into agriculture, provision of tax incentives and having clear trade policies to encourage the local producers and businesses.
Dr Sakara was answering questions at the debate organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). The institute had already organised a successful two rounds of Presidential Debates in Accra and Tamale.
Dr Sakara noted that the critical issue was how to increase productivity and sustain it to enable the economy to stay on the path of growth, adding that government must strike the right strategic partnership to grow the economy.
On corruption, Dr Sakara prescribed punitive measures to culprits and the strengthening of existing state institutions making them autonomous bodies in holding public office holders accountable to serve as deterrence to others.
He said there should be periodic reviews of assets of public office holders and properties found to have been acquired illegally should be confiscated.
Dr Sakara said the CPP was determined to fight corruption "and we would do this, leadership by example".
He said the party would ensure that they put structures in place to randomly check both the central and local government as well as instituted avenues for complaints of impropriety against public office holders.
Dr Sakara said he was bringing to the ticket of the CPP, valuable knowledge that would ensure that the agricultural sector, which held the potential for the country's growth was sustained.