Kumasi, Oct. 15, GNA - Nana Asante Frimpong, an industrialist, has challenged government to make conscious efforts to raise the socio-economic infrastructure in the northern sector of the country to appreciable standards.

Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo Regions for instance abound in business and investment opportunities and could become the hub of industrial activity in the country, given improved road network, railway system, airport facilities and the completion of the Boankra in-land port. This way they would attract direct foreign investments to propel the national economy.

Nana Frimpong, who is the Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) for the two regions, told newsmen in Kumasi on Wednesday, that majority of their members and other business entities are being forced to relocate to the national capital, where the business environment is more favourable.

He underscored the need for the government to also attach importance to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index Report of 2009 since the findings and recommendations are crucial to enhancing the economy. The Report put Ghana on the 102nd position out of 133 countries surveyed, using attractiveness to business as index. Released in July, this year, it identified depreciation of the national currency, the Cedi, soaring inflation, lack of access to credit and outmoded business practices as some of the major challenges holding back business growth in the country.

Another area of concern is the low technological advancement. Nana Frimpong called for restructuring of the National Board for Small Industries (NBSSI) and to ensure that its' 110 Business Advisory Centres across the Country become more functional. The Board should provide the needed impetus to the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as well as industries in general, he said.