Trade minister inaugurates three boards

Members of the reconstituted boards of three companies under the Ministry of Trade and Industry were asked to resuscitate and revamp their enterprises to be self-supporting and profitable.

The Minister of Trade, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who made the call at the inauguration of the boards at a joint ceremony said they should adopt innovative ways that could generate employment and contribute positively to the growth of the economy.

The three boards are for the Ghana Trade Fair Company (GTFC) to be chaired by Mr Eddie Imbeah-Amoaku, the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) under the chairmanship of Mr Jude Arthur and the Ghana National Procurement Agency (GNPA), which has Nana Akwasi Kuma as chairman.

The Minister said the role of NBSSI was important, especially in the country's quest to make Small Scale Enterprises the cornerstone of the industrial development process.

He said NBSSI could become a focal and important source of credit to small enterprises if innovative and good managerial efforts are made to reverse the current situation.

Dr Apraku said although the German government was ready to increase its support for the programmes of the board, she was currently unhappy with its situation now.

Under the German government assistance, the Board was able to provide 1.5 billion cedis to 43 businesses.

The Minister asked the GNPA board to refocus its attention and energy to exploit opportunities that would expand and provide impetus for export rather than import trade.

Mr Imbeah-Amoaku, on behalf of the other members assured the Minister that efforts would be made to ensure effective implementation of cohesive and innovative ways to improve on the performance of the companies.