By
Julius K. Satsi/Stella Opokuwaa Asare, GNA
Accra, June 20, GNA – Mr Robert
Ahomka-Lindsay, a Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, has reiterated
government’s commitment to develop the private sector to foster growth and
create more employment.
He said the government had proven its
commitment to the growth of the sector since assumption of office of the
Akufo-Addo led administration as the private sector remained the engine of
growth.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsay was speaking at the launch
of the second edition of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI)
Business Awards 2017 on the theme: “Empowering the Private Sector to Move Ghana
beyond Aid.”
He said the government had been building the
necessary infrastructure to make the business environment for the private
sector in order to create more businesses, which would culminate in increased
job creation.
He noted that the government had also focused
on mobilising funds and attracting foreign direct investment to grow the
private sector.
Mr Ahomka-Lindsay pledged the Ministry’s
support for the awards saying, “We support fully, the awards and the theme”
adding that, the Ministry will do its best to drive growth in the sector.
Meanwhile, Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso , the
President of GNCCI said the theme for the awards was in line with government’s
agenda of growing the economy beyond ‘hand-outs’.
He said the Chamber considered the promotion
and protection of trade and investment as a critical part in driving a
country’s development agenda within an atmosphere of cooperation and
partnership.
Nana Dankawoso said the awards scheme sought
to celebrate the best and finest of Ghanaian businesses that had demonstrated
excellence in business leadership and innovation in contributing to the
country’s socio-economic development.
He commended its effort to improve efficiency
at the ports with the introduction of the paperless system and the move to
reduce the port inspecting agencies from 16 to three by July 1, this year.
The three agencies that will operate at the
ports are; Ghana Standards Authority, the Food and Drugs Authority, and the
Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
He said the decision was welcoming as it would
reduce turnaround time for businesses and eliminate corruption.
Nana Dankawoso added that it would also lead
to increased commercial opportunities and investment, facilitating export
diversification, strengthening ties between nations, as well as creating
employment opportunities and improving livelihood.
He noted that in addition to the goodwill, the
awards had enhanced the visibility, validation, business referrals, reputation,
as well as product and service differentiation of the award winners.
He, therefore, called on businesses to
participate in the awards to highlight best business practices that were
fundamental to private sector growth and development.
The maiden edition of the awards was last year
where 31 distinguished businesses and personalities received their awards.
Entries for the Chamber’s awards, which opened
on Wednesday June 20 to accept nominations, are expected to close by July 20.
GNA