The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has stated that it will intensify efforts to directly support local businesses in the wake of external and internal economic challenges.

According to the chamber, although the challenges have taken a heavy toll on the cost of doing business domestically, its newly built headquarters will become the significant step towards strengthening the capacity to support local private businesses.

Speaking at commissioning of the new edifice, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said government is committed to working together with the chamber to implement policies that support the private sector to drive economic growth.

“The Ministry’s diplomatic efforts have equally focused on partnering with the chamber on deepening political and economic ties globally. Through several projects including signing MOUs, business-to-business events, capacity building, Trade Missions among others, the Ministry has partnered the GNCCI to promote private businesses”, she said.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo challenged members of the chamber to be more export-oriented to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

“We reaffirm our commitment to working with GNCCI to meet the needs of the business community and to make Ghanaian businesses more competitive. And also, to become more export-oriented to take advantage of the AfCFTA and other trade agreements both bilateral and multilateral”.

President of the chamber, Clement Osei Amoako told Joy Business, the organization will continue to perform its role in promoting and protecting the interest of the private sector through evidence-based advocacy.

“This new head office will serve as a vibrant hub where ideas will be nurtured, strategies will be developed, and partnerships will be forged. It is a space where we will continue to champion the interests of private businesses in Ghana and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of our nation”.