Details

PROMOTING BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS IN GHANA

In Ghana, the majority of businesses are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Most SMEs are also informal businesses thus making them weak and voiceless. To overcome this challenge and present views of the SME sector to Government more effectively, Business Associations have been formed to undertake advocacy on behalf of the private sector. However, the Trade and Business Associations (TBAs) so far are perceived as not effective in performing this role assigned them. This has been attributed to the lack of a strong and coherent voice by business associations in presenting private sector views to Government.

For the private sector to be the engine of growth, intermediary organizations such as Trade and Business Associations (TBAs) which act as the voice of the private sector must strengthen their capacity in order to help develop the private sector. It is against this background that the Private Enterprise Foundation with the support of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) is undertaking an advocacy project on “Promoting Business Associations in Ghana”.

The objective of the project is to promote membership of TBAs by enterprises to ensure a vibrant and recognized private sector as the engine of economic growth in Ghana.

Workshops have taken place in Tamale, Kumasi, Takoradi and Accra for representatives of business associations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The objectives of the workshops were to explore the current status of TBAs, inhibitory factors in attaining optimal membership of TBAs, potential role of TBAs, the state, CSOs and development partners in strengthening associations, a preliminary plan of action to strengthen TBAs and a coordination role for PEF in the crusade process.

The Foundation with the support of KAS during the month of October plans to organize a workshop in the Brong-Ahafo Regions:

Eusbett Hotel, Sunyani

Wednesday, 13th October - Friday, 15th October, 2010

Programme

Wednesday, 13th October, 2010

5pm Arrival

7pm Supper

Thursday, October 14, 2010

7am Breakfast

9am Arrival and Registration

9.30am Introduction of Chairperson - Ms. Jennifer Omaboe (Administrative Assistant/PEF)

Chairperson’s Remarks - Mr. James Kainyiah (Fmr. Regional Chairman, GNCCI)

Welcome Remarks - Dr. Osei Boeh-Ocansey (Director-General, PEF)

Statement by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung - Mr. Isaac Owusu Mensah (Programme Officer, KAS)

Statement by NBSSI - Mr. John Gershom Koomson (Regional Manager, NBSSI)

Address- Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo

Western Regional Minister

Presentation on Social Market Economy - Mr. Kwesi Jonah (Head of Political Science Department, University of Ghana)

Presentation - Mr. Kwasi Afriyie Badu (CEO, KAB Governance Consult)

11am Cocoa Break

11.15am Syndicate Groups - Mrs. Marian Angela Kyei (Communications Consultant, KAB Governance Consult)

Plenary- Mrs. Marian Angela Kyei (Communications Consultant, KAB Governance Consult)

Chairperson’s Closing Remarks

2pm Lunch

7pm Supper

Friday, October 15, 2010

7am Breakfast and departure