The Central Regional Office of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry participated in the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) sensitization tour, held in the Central Region specifically Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast on 15th July, 2022.
In attendance was the Central Regional Minister, Representatives for the Oguaamanhen, Coordinating Directors for all Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Planning Officers and Management Staff of the Central Regional Coordinating Council.
The forum sought to solicit business and investment ventures in the region began with an opening address from the Central Regional Minister Honourable Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan.
The Regional Minister urged all twenty-two Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region to design and articulate clearly their investment development plans for local business enterprises that prepare conducive grounds for expansion through necessary partnerships.
In a brief statement, Nana Poku Aikins, the Cape Coast Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman, highlighted some of the issues the area’s business community is now dealing with. A significant obstacle is the problem of loans and financial assistance.
According to him, the region’s untapped potential needs to be well-packaged for investment purposes. In order to attract investment, he also suggested creating industrial zones, moving the Sewdru garages to Meapemsem, and making investments in the Fosu lagoon to develop tourist attractions.
Dr. George Asafo Agyei, Director of Monitoring at GIPC, a gave presentation at the forum outlining the organization’s mission stipulated by GIPC Act 865, 2013, to support partner investors in improving the economy. Therefore, he urged businesses to present their business ideas to GIPC.
Nana Kwesi Egyin II Nyimfahen of Oguaa Traditional Area spoke on behalf of Nana Kwesi Arthur II Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area. In his speech, Nana Kwesi Egyin II discussed the finding of lithium in the area, which seems to be unexplored by the region. He requested the GIPC to assist in developing this new natural resource. Additionally, He spoke about how the salt trade in the area seemed to be declining.
The Central Regional Coordinating Council’s Chief Director, Mr. Kingsley Agyei Boahene, gave closing remarks at the forum and urged the region to take part fully in the upcoming “Central Trade, Tourism, and Investment Fair” which will take place from Saturday, July 23, to Saturday, July 30, at the Adisadel College School Park.
