Spio-Garbrah pledges NDC's support for business community
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Business Development Committee (BDC), Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has reaffirmed the party's commitment to fostering a more conducive environment for trade and commerce in the country.
Mr Spio-Garbrah said this during a meeting between the NDC and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) recently.
The meeting to solidify relationships and foster collaboration between the government and the private sector was hosted by the NDC’s BDC.
It was also to enhance dialogue between the government and the business community.
Improving trade
Dr Spio-Garbrah commended GUTA's leadership for their dedication to improving the trading environment in the country.
In his response, the President of GUTA emphasised the importance of productive engagements between policymakers and the private sector.
"Policies crafted by a select few technocrats often miss the mark when they fail to incorporate real-world insights from those in the field," he said.
The committee and GUTA both pledged to work together to create a more conducive environment for trade and commerce in the country.
GUTA concerns
Some of the key issues raised by GUTA members at the meeting include a thorough review of existing tax policies to alleviate the heavy tax burden on businesses, the promotion of made-in-Ghana products and enhancing value-added processes for local products before export.
They expressed concerns about the increasing presence of foreign entities in the retail sector and called for measures to ensure fair competition.
They further called for supportive regulations, infrastructure and resources to empower local entrepreneurs.
In attendance were the Ptresident of GUTA, Joseph Obeng; the First Vice-President of GUTA, Clement Boateng; GUTA’s Director of Communications, Joseph Paddy and Deputy Secretary General, Richard Amamoo.
On the NDC-BDC side include Vice-Chairman Ken Wajungu; Chairman of a sub-committee, Prof. Richard Bani; Secretary, Prince Ibrahim, Maame Efua Sekyi-Addo and Dr Aaron Sackey.