The Sekondi-Takoradi branch of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) recently organized its second edition of the 10-day Chamber Bazaar in Takoradi. This event, held under the theme ‘Creating and promoting unlimited opportunities for goods and services through effective market linkages’, was a huge success and provided a valuable platform for showcasing locally manufactured products and promoting local businesses. With a wide variety of goods and services on display, the event attracted a large number of visitors, including business owners, entrepreneurs, and members of the public.
The Chamber Bazaar aimed to build natural, mutually beneficial business relationships between local entrepreneurs and other business owners. In his speech, GNCCI President Clement Osei-Amoako expressed concern about the negative impact of newly introduced taxes by the government, stating that they had the potency to collapse many indigenous businesses, affect job creation and the development of a robust private sector to spearhead growth.
The Bazaar brought together diverse businesses to showcase, sell, and create market linkages and future partnerships for local economic growth. However, the GNCCI president noted that the current harsh business environment had seen most businesses shut down, relocated to other countries, and overburdened consumers with operational costs.
The GNCCI president urged the government to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the growth and development of the country, instead of introducing new taxes that would only harm the private sector. He also encouraged business owners to adopt strategies that meet the changing needs of consumers, innovate to stay ahead of the competition and participate in programmes such as the African Continental Free Trade and other such initiatives to grow the private sector.
The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who was also present at the event, commended the organizers and encouraged businesses in the region to participate in the next Chamber Bazaar to showcase their products and services to the world. He reiterated that the Western Region was the best place to do business in Ghana due to its abundance of raw materials, and the Regional Coordinating Council was ready to support the growth of businesses in the region.
The Chamber Bazaar highlighted the potential of local businesses and entrepreneurs in Ghana. However, the GNCCI president’s concerns about the negative impact of 32introduced taxes on the private sector and the need for a conducive business environment were clear reminders of the challenges that businesses in Ghana face. The GNCCI is proud to have played a role in promoting and supporting local businesses in the Sekondi-Takoradi region and looks forward to organizing similar events with the region.
