Accra businesses optimistic of bright 2013 prospects

Some business operators in Accra said they are optimistic that 2013 held bright more prospects for their activities than the previous year.

This, they said, stems from the assurance that President John Dramani Mahama gave the business community in his inaugural address delivered on January 7th 2013 at the Independence Square in Accra.

The business people made this known to the GNA in an interview in Accra on Wednesday.

President Mahama said at the swearing-in ceremony “I want to assure the business community that I will be an ally. I will extend whatever support I am able to reinforce your contributions to our development”.

“I recognise the vital role that our private sector, especially small and indigenous businesses, play in the expansion of our workforce as well as in the growth and stability of our economy”, he added.

Referring to the speech, Mr Francis Attah, a dealer in acrylic paints at Abeka Lapaz in Accra, told the GNA that the government’s commitment towards supporting the business sector was a welcoming one.

“His assurance inspires our confidence that business would be good this year and those to come”, he added.

Mr Attah said though business had started slowly, he was optimistic it would peak by mid-year.

He described economic activities in 2012 as rather discouraging attributing the poor performance to the fact that it was an election year.

According to Mr Attah, some people take risk because they were uncertain of the outcome of the general elections.

Ebo Koomson, a car dealer at Lapaz, expressed optimism the year would be business friendly and brisk with lots of positive activities.

He said he was hopeful the new government would “walk the talk” and create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Nana Attakora who deals in materials at the Central Business District in Accra, however express the view that the success of a business was also dependent on the effort of the individual businessman or entrepreneur.

“We also need to do our part, if government is to give us the support” he said.

Mr Attakora said good customer relations, industriousness, good business practice and planning were essential ingredients to success.

Source: GNA