The Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have inaugurated its council and central executive committee as part of moves to strengthen the chamber’s participation in private sector development.

Prior to its 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM), all standing committees and council were dissolved and the National Officers were re-elected for another term to consolidate the progress made over the past two years.

It is to this reason that the Chamber embarked on this all-important swearing-in session.

“The council and central executive committee is the highest decision-making body of the chamber. We look forward to tapping into the skills, competencies and social capital of the council, a central executive committee to achieve a shared vision and prosperity for the private sector,” President of the Chamber, Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, stated.

Swearing in 30 captains of industry to the Chamber’s council and central executive committee, Dr Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso, also made the case for the private sector to advance the cause of protecting the Ghanaian market rather than colluding with foreign nationals. According to him, “ we, the private sector, must protect our own, let’s stop fronting for foreign nationals.”

Chairman of the trade and tourism committee in parliament, Nana Marfo Amaniampomg, challenged captains of industry to work closely with the trade and finance ministries for the implementation of favourable economic reforms for the private sector. He said; “even if (in the rarest of cases) government is not doing anything favourable for you the private sector, you must, as captains of industry, have an impact on the economy”.

Speaking on behalf of the sworn-in committee, CEO of Dalex Finance, Kenneth Thompson entreated government and the chamber to prioritize concerns of the private sector regarding the ease of doing business in the country.

He believes government must address issues as the rise in interest rates expands the private sector. “We only need a favourable business environment; we need no money, just a good business environment”.

The 30 member board will serve a two-year term after which an assessment is conducted.

GCCI CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1.    Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso I
2.    Clement Osei Amoako
3.    Victoria M.E. Hajar
4.    Harry Ebenezer Mensah
5.    Dr Seth Adjei Baah
6.    Fredrick Alipui
7.    Yaw Owusu Akwanuasa
8.    Isaac Y. Barry
9.    Anthony Pokoo-Aikins
10.    Stephane Miezan
11.    Bennin Juatie Douri
12.    Wilson Attah Krofah
13.    John B.K Aheto
14.    Kenneth Kwamena Thompson
15.    Daniel McKorley
16.    Douglas A. Boateng
17.    Josephine Okutu
18.    Alhaji Shehu Wumbei
19.    Samuel Frimpong Boateng
20.    Alexie Kwasi Fosu
21.    Madam Bella Ayayee Ahu
22.    Dr Siaw Agyepong
23.    Michael Bozumbil
24.    Kwame Asante
25.    Dr. Joseph Obeng
26.    Rep. from Unilever Ghana Ltd
27.    Tweneboa Kodua
28.    Felciia Twumasi
29.    S.K. Boafo
30.    Mark Badu-Aboage

GNCCI COUNCIL MEMBERS

1.    Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso I
2.    Clement Osei Amoako
3.    Victoria M.E. Hajar
4.    Harry Ebenezer Mensah
5.    Dr Seth Adjei Baah
6.    Fredrick Alipui
7.    Nana Agyenim Boateng
8.    Gladys Anim-Ayisi
9.    Moses Atobrah
10.    Regina Degadjor
11.    Imran Shams Kwakye
12.    Dr. Douglas A. Boateng
13.    Dr. Emelia Assiakwa
14.    Kwame Boadi
15.    Nana Yaw Owusu Akwanuasa
16.    Stephen Acheampong
17.    Monica Bawuah
18.    Stephen Acheampong
19.    Monica Bawuah
20.    Stephen Armah
21.    Isaac Y. Barry
22.    Samuel Addy
23.    Anthony Pokoo-Aikins
24.    George ben-Smith
25.    Stephane Miezan
26.    Maxwell Archer
27.    Alexander Bogney Bewong
28.    James Kofi Digberen
29.    Bennin Juatie Douri
30.    Mark Badu-Aboagye