Accra, August 14, 2024 – The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) proudly inaugurated its new National Secretariat. The event, which brought together key government officials, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps, marked a new chapter in GNCCI’s ongoing mission to support and promote the business community in Ghana.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, alongside Hon. Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, Deputy Minister of Trade, who represented Hon. K. T. Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry. Both delivered compelling speeches, highlighting the Chamber’s role in fostering a conducive business environment in Ghana.
Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey emphasised the Chamber’s instrumental role in shaping the nation’s economic landscape in her remarks. “The GNCCI has long been a pillar of support for our business community, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, innovate, and grow,” she stated. She further acknowledged the strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and GNCCI in promoting private sector interests through diplomatic efforts, business-to-business events, and capacity-building initiatives.
Hon. Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, in his address, underscored the importance of the new Secretariat as more than just a building, but as a symbol of the Chamber’s renewed commitment to the growth of the private sector. He praised the GNCCI for its unwavering dedication to creating an environment where businesses can be creative and expand. “This edifice is a testament to our shared vision for inclusive economic growth and development,” Hon. Ahenkorah Marfo noted. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the Chamber’s mission through collaborative policies that enhance local competitiveness and market access.
Dr. Clement Osei Amoako, President of GNCCI, warmly welcomed all guests and expressed his deep appreciation for the collective efforts that made the construction of the new Secretariat possible. He highlighted the Chamber’s struggles in acquiring a permanent headquarters over the years due to land acquisition issues and financial constraints. “Today, we celebrate not just a building, but the realisation of a long-held aspiration—a state-of-the-art facility that embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and excellence,” Dr. Osei Amoako stated. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of past and present leadership, as well as the various member companies whose contributions were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
The new National Secretariat, a modern and strategically located facility, is expected to serve as a vibrant hub for business advocacy, trade facilitation, and capacity-building activities. It will enhance the Chamber’s ability to support local businesses, especially in the face of current economic challenges. Dr. Osei Amoako reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to intensifying efforts to protect and promote the interests of the private sector, urging the government to collaborate more closely with GNCCI in addressing the challenges faced by businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolising the official opening of the Secretariat. This momentous occasion not only marks a new era for GNCCI but also reinforces its position as a key player in Ghana’s economic development, championing the interests of the business community and driving sustainable growth across the nation.
