Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry launches 250 years anniversary
Mr Seth Adjei-Baah, President of Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Tuesday called on government to put premium on the development of the private sector to reduce poverty.
He said the way forward was to ensure that appropriate macro-economic policies are implemented to create the much needed enabling environment for businesses as well as entrepreneurs, the main stakeholders for the private sector to become the actual engine of growth.
Mr Adjei-Baah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw was launching the 250 years anniversary of GCCI in Accra.
The celebration is on the theme: “Commerce and Industry in a Growing Economy.”
On achievements of the Chamber, Mr Adjei-Baah said it facilitated the establishment of the free exchange rate regime and review of trade facilitation at the ports.
The Chamber in collaboration with other private sector development organisations advocated the reduction of Corporate Tax from 55 per cent in the 1970’s to ensure an enabling environment for businesses to operate effectively in the country.
“In the 1960’s Ghana had many vehicle assembling plants but sadly, four decades down the line we cannot produce basic car accessories. We import almost everything from toothpick to airplanes,” Mr Adjei-Baah added.
Mr Adjei-Baah pointed out that there should be conscious efforts towards investing in science education and research to enable the country recycle waste into usable products.
He called on local and international agencies to co-operate with the Chamber to assist the Government to promote and protect the private sector.
Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, advised managements of Ghanaian industries to partner their counterparts in other countries in the world to promote Made-In Ghana goods.
She said the industries needed to focus on high education on how to promote Made-In Ghana goods in other countries.
Ms Tetteh observed that Ghanaian industries could compete with their counterparts on the world market when they changed their style of performance.
She said government is ready to support the private sector, but repayment of loans granted by the Government had become difficult and a big challenge.
Mr Emmanuel Doni-Kwame, Chief Executive Officer of GCCI said Ghana being acclaimed one of the fastest growing economies in the world was a motivation for the growth of businesses in the country.
He explained that GCCI was established to promote and protect trade, commerce, industries and manufacturing in Ghana.
Source: GNA