A two-day Seminar for FASSEO

Bawku (U/E), May 23, GNA - A two-day seminar for pilot district of the Federation of Association of Small-Scale Economic Operators (FASSEO) has been held at Bawku in the Upper East region.

The occasion, which was also used to launch FASSEO in the Bawku East district, was under the theme: "District assemblies and civil society organisations as partners in development." It was sponsored by Konrad Aduneur Foundation (KAF), an international non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The fifty-five participants included representatives from the district assembly the business community, farmers, teachers and artisans. Topics treated included: "The role for the individual assembly members" and "Credit unions as the basis for establishing an alternative financial service scheme for FASSEO".

Mr Dominic Akudago, District Chief Executive in an address read on his behalf said the government has over the years made it clear that the private sector is the engine of growth for the national economy.

Mr Akudago explained that it is in this light that policies are being formulated to create the environment for the realisation of objectives. The Ghana Vision 2020, the divestiture programme, the setting up of the Private Sector Advisory Group and the creation of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) are clear manifestations of the government's support and commitment to the private sector, he added.

The DCE said the government is convinced that when the private sector thrives, the high rate of unemployment among the youth would be solved. He said the current crime wave in the district is undoubtedly having negative repercussions on business activities.

Mr Akudago assured the participants that the assembly in collaboration with the various security agencies in the district would do all they could to nip in the bud the activities of armed robbers and other social misfits.

Mr Samuel Oppong Boadi, National Financial Secretary of FASSEO, who represented the National Executive, explained that FASSEO was established to serve as an umbrella association for all the small scale sector business operators in the country.

It is also to act as an effective mouthpiece to ensure the achievement of the aims and objectives of its member associations. He appealed to the government to assist civil societies to become economically viable to be able to pay their taxes and fulfil other obligations.

Mr Mumuni Issah, a teacher and Abdul-Karim , welder were elected as chairman and vice chairman respectively with Mr Mohammed Abubakar as secretary.