Ghana-Netherlands Intensify Relationship

The Ghana Netherlands Business Association (GNBA), a group of Netherlands Companies in Ghana has launched a business plan contest for all Senior Secondary School (SSS) students in the country.

In collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) the GNBA has initiated this business plan contest to commemorate 300 years of official diplomatic ties between Ghana and the Netherlands.

The contest dubbed, "The Lasting Impact," is to unearth talents, develop and stimulate skills in the 475 Government assisted SSS and many government approved second cycle school students throughout the country. Every student is qualified to write his or her business plan in the future to win a prize.

Briefing the press yesterday in Accra, the General Manager for Philips Medical Systems in Ghana, Mr. van Gestel urged all SSS student to take part in 'The Lasting Impact'. He said the winner of the competition would be awarded a full scholarship to any university of Ghana or tertiary institution of his or her choice. The winner's community will receive an educational centre, including a library or a sports facility.

He lauded the current administration for initiating policies to make the private sector the engine of growth. "The GNBA warmly welcomes these plans because we believe all companies represented in the initiative of the Lasting Impact are proof of the benefits that private sector development will have. Benefits not only in terms of employment of Ghanaians, service provided to the society and tax income for the nation, but also skill development of our staff."

He announced that the Crown Prince of the Netherlands will be present at the final award ceremony, scheduled for April next year.

The Ambassador of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Accra, Mr. Alexandra Heldring lauded the GNBA for the initiative and said Dutch companies are in the country to contribute to the development of Ghana. "Just as we contribute to the plans for development of the Ghanaian government, we monitor the activities of the Dutch companies in Ghana. After all, the government and the business community are both here to contribute to the development of Ghana."

Mr. Andrews Asare, the Director of the Secondary Education Division of GES said the contest is in line with GES policy of encouraging appropriate interventions in all levels of the education process, as a way of eliciting talents as well as to encourage analytical thinking. "The GNBA has indeed gone a step further to help our students to realise their future business potentials today. It is the firm conviction of GES, that out of the numerous business plans will emerge businesses... to satisfy our Ghanaian society."

Among the sponsors of the contest are, Philips, KLM, Shell Ghana and Reiss and Co. Ghana limited as well as the Royal Netherlands Embassy.