The Ghanian government is ready to extend support to businesses in order to improve its economy, Western Regional Minister, Dr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah has affirmed.
Speaking at the Takoradi Western Regional Business Awards ceremony for the third time, Dr. Okyere Darko-Mensah noted that the Western Regional Coordinating Council keeps urging business owners to be more innovative in an effort to help their communities provide jobs for young people.
The Western Regional Minister gave the region’s businesses reassurance about the Western Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to leveling the playing field for them to succeed.
Despite the difficulties the country faces in an increasingly global context, Dr. Okyere Darko-Mensah urged businesses not to fail the country.
He praised the foresight of companies whose efforts resulted in a significant contribution to the production of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Okyere Darko-Mensah said as a result, several businesses benefitted from the COVID-19 fund dubbed, “Obatanpa Fund” to cushion business entities. The Regional Minister resounded the need for youth with entrepreneurial skills to venture into businesses and take advantage of government’s financial assistance under the “You Start” initiative. He claimed that despite the Russian-Ukrainian war undermining economic progress, the government has decided to help enterprises.
Dr. Okyere Darko-Mensah listed the significant construction initiatives currently under progress in the Western Region, including the redesign and invention of a new market circle and an interchange for Takoradi, the renovation of the Manso-Nsuta road in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, which connects Apemenim and Tarkwa.
Regarding education, the minister said that the Free Senior High School policy has undergone a significant transformation, with 63,000 students benefiting from it.
During the event, plaques for their excellence awards were given to more than 40 businesses that made significant contributions to the economy.
The Minister charged Metropolitan, Municipality and District Assemblies to offer local support to businesses as cooperation for growth.
KEDA Ghana was adjudged Company of the Year.
Lower Pra Rural Bank PLC at Shama, scooped the Rural Bank of the Year award.
The Indigenous Company of the Year award went to Galaxy Poly Product Ltd.
The Outstanding Young CEO of the Year award and Excellence in Car Rentals of the Year award was grabbed by Mr Francis Attuahene of the Attuahene Group of Companies.
Excellence in Safety and Inspection Company of the Year went to Gibson Safety Consult Ltd.
The Entrepreneur of the Year award was given to Mr Justice Acquah of JUSTMAX Travels with the CEO of the Year award scooped by Dr. Dominic Eduah of the GNPC Foundation.
Excellence in Innovation and Technology award went to Franko Phones Trading Enterprise.
TACOTEL Ghana grabbed the Corporate Social Responsibility Company award of the Year.
Outstanding NGO of the Year went to ASEDA Foundation with the Best Western Plus obtaining the Excellence in Hospitality of the Year award.
ABSA Bank clocked Bank of the Year and Customer service award.
