Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has commended the government for its pragmatic approach to solve the current disturbing economic climate, while also lauding the numerous stimulus packages implemented to mitigate the plights of distressed companies.
This was contained in a speech read on his behalf by Nana Tuahyia Oduro Panin Birikorang I, New Edubiasehene, at the 20th Ashanti Business and Financial Services Excellence Award and 9th Ashanti Business Leaders Excellence Awards ceremony in Kumasi last week Friday.
Otumfuo bemoaned the collapse of a plethora of enterprises, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises culminating in the loss of thousands of jobs.
He noted that it was essential that the government initiated numerous palliative financial and other policy measures with a view to alleviating the dismal plights of the distressed companies.
The Asantehene also commended the Ghana Enterprises Agency, formerly National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), for the critical role it was playing in the successful implementation of the stimulus packages.
He also encouraged the government not to relent in its efforts at tackling the challenges with all the human, technical and financial resources at its disposal, saying it was duty-bound to promote and protect Ghanaian businesses, as well as create and protect jobs for the youth.
The Asantehene also drew the attention of the government to the predicament of Ghana’s once vibrant poultry industry, which, he said, regrettably had been in the state of distress in recent years, adding that Kumasi, which was generally acknowledged as the poultry capital of Ghana, had been beset by precarious condition in which the country’s poultry industry currently found itself.
The Ashanti Overlord, however, noted that it was certainly reassuring that the government recognises the potential of Ghana achieving self-sufficient in poultry production, and expressed appreciation that it had over the years injected substantial capital to the tune of GH¢10 million into the industry to ensure its revival and sustainability.
Otumfuo expressed his delight and support for the government on its ongoing efforts at creating the conducive environment, including financial assistance, by which the poultry industry could strive.
He also extended a cordial invitation to potential investors, both in Ghana and abroad, to channel their investments into the Industry Park to take advantage of the accompanying benefits at the Boankra Inland Port Project that had regrettably been on the drawing board for decades.
