• Mr Ibrahim Baidoo (second right), MCE of Ashaiman, and Mr Kofi Adda (right) observing how the aluminium poles are fabricated. With them are Mr John Borbordzi (in overall) and Cosmos Asem (middle).

Ashaiman to hold industrial fair

Della Russel Ocloo Dec - 29 - 2014 , 00:18

The Ashaiman Municipal Assembly (ASHMA) is preparing to host an ‘Ashaiman Industrial Fair’ aimed at exposing the capabilities of small-scale industrial concerns in the municipality to the world.

According to the Ashaiman Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Ibrahim Baidoo, the move was in line with the assembly's quest to create an industrial enclave that would speed up the development of the community.

Mr Baidoo made this known when he paid a working visit to the Borbordzi Argon Aluminum Welding Company, manufacturers of street light poles in the municipality.

He was accompanied by a former Minister of Energy, Mr Kofi Addah.

He said small and medium scale enterprises had over time created employment opportunities for young people in the area and also created jobs.

Mr Baidoo said in spite of the municipality’s closeness to Tema, which is home to many of the country’s industries, residents of Ashaiman had not largely benefitted from the association.

“It is for this reason that the creation of an industrial zone in Ashaiman remains key to the goal of engaging young people in meaningful entrepreneurial ventures in the medium term,” Mr Baidoo said.

He said Borbordzi and other medium-scale enterprises in the community were contributing significantly to the revenue generated by the assembly.

Mr Baidoo said the assembly was also committed to providing incentives that would give young people the opportunity to perfect their skills and talents to make money for themselves.

Tax Incentives

Mr Kofi Adda, asked for tax exemptions for companies like Borbordzi and other medium-scale industries that are working hard to improve the community.

Providing such an incentive, he said, would make local industries more competitive.

“We depend heavily on Chinese imports and many products from that country easily fall apart using them for a few years.

In championing the patronage of Made-in-Ghana products, there is the need to move away from rhetoric to actions that contribute meaningfully to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP),” Mr Adda stated.

He further urged the Energy Commission to certify the products of the Borbordzi company and also asked metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAS) and other governmental agencies to patronise the company’s products to promote locally produced goods.

Expansion

The Borbordzi company has 25 permanent workers and also employs a number of casual workers. According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr John Borbordzi, the company could do more if it received the required support.

He urged the MCE to assist the company to have access to funds under the Youth Enterprise Support (YES) Fund to enable the company acquire more machinery and expand its operations to meet the growing market demand.

“By expanding, the company would offer opportunities to the large number of youth in the municipality by employing and training them,” he said.

Writer’s email: della.russel@graphic.com.gh