PR & COMMS UPDATES – MOTAI
Ghanaian companies are urged by the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry to embrace organization, value addition, and strategic alliances as essential instruments for the country’s economic transformation.
The Hon. Minister emphasised the significance of structured private sector collaboration in unlocking growth, reducing systemic bottlenecks, and creating sustainable jobs in his keynote speech at the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association (KBAA) inauguration in Accra in February 20206.
She urged the recently established association to establish itself as a reliable and effective voice for business, saying, “We are choosing to climb, but we want to climb in a new way together, organised and institutional.”
Businesses grow more quickly and sustainably when they organise, exchange experiences, and speak with a single voice on issues that impact them, according to Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
“Associations give legitimate businesses the structure, leadership, and advocacy power they need to influence policy reforms and cut down on delays and expenses,” she said.
She emphasised that public processes shouldn’t stand in the way of business growth and restated the Ministry’s duty to foster an environment that supports Ghanaian firms.
Along with highlighting the government’s increased emphasis on agribusiness, the Minister explained that Ghana needs to shift its focus from exporting raw materials to processing them locally in order to maximise value, generate employment, and fortify its economy.
She cited the newly enacted 24-Hour Economy Authority Act, which she described as a framework to support manufacturing, logistics, storage, and vital services outside of regular business hours, with a focus on promoting commerce and agro-processing.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare recognised enduring obstacles that impede industrial expansion, such as restricted access to reasonably priced long-term financing and irregular raw material supply.
In order to connect production to processing and create reliable supply chains, she disclosed that the Ministry is putting in place a “Feed-the-Industry” program.
She urged private investors to look into opportunities in distribution, warehousing, packaging, agro-processing, and contract farming.
The Minister also reassured companies that the government will help them access market connections, reliable programs, standards certification, and prospects within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Furthermore, she urged the association to give mentorship and youth development top priority through internships, apprenticeships, and training in practical skills, emphasising that fostering the next generation of businesspeople was essential to maintaining Ghana’s industrial revolution.
Mr. Kwabena Adjare Danquah, President of the KBAA Board of Trustees, called the inauguration a turning point in the collective path of Kwahu entrepreneurs in his acceptance address.
According to him, the alliance signalled a shift from individual company successes to organised influence based on cohesion, creativity, strategy, and long-term expansion.
“Our broader objective is straightforward job creation, enterprise expansion, true partnership and long-term prosperity through disciplined organisation,” he stated.
Mr. Danquah listed the association’s four main areas of focus: business development, innovation, membership value, and advocacy. He promised to establish the KBAA as a reliable voice that responsibly and clearly engages the government, regulators, financial institutions, and development partners.
He underlined that the group would support established institutions and traditional authorities rather than compete with them, and he urged members to provide not only money but also knowledge, moral leadership, and integrity.
Prof. Oduro Owusu, the event chairperson and vice chancellor of Presbyterian University, Abetifi, drew lessons from Japan’s post-World War II industrialisation in his closing remarks. He pointed out how organised advocacy, government support, and a culture of integrity made the nation a global industrial powerhouse.
He emphasised that honesty and integrity must become fundamental principles if Ghana’s business community is to see sustainable prosperity.
“No matter how much you invest in your business, if you are working with dishonest people, you will struggle,” he said.
Prof. Owusu also suggested creating an industrial park to work as a center for company innovation and incubation, combining character development and skill development to guarantee long-term viability.
Industry captains, business executives, and a few high-ranking government representatives attended the Kwahu Business Advocacy Association’s inauguration, which was led by Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah.
Source: newsthemegh.com