Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) on Tuesday held a forum for young entrepreneurs to throw more light on how the Centre works with entrepreneurs.

The forum under the theme, ‘connect-accelerate-grow,’ was aimed at sharing GIPC's strategy and to take the young entrepreneurs through the GIPC act.

Chief Executive Officer of GIPC Yoofi Grant indicated that with Ghana having a very youthful population, harnessing the entrepreneurial potential of the youth will be key in accelerating economic growth.

He encouraged the participants to help make Ghana the best place to do business on the African continent.

Mr. Grant noted that Ghana’s smart, educated youth were a rich dividend that continue to be the engine of innovation and growth for the country. 

“You are in the position to market the country. You have the dreams, drive, and determination to move this country even higher. It takes cooperation, partnerships to make great things happen,” he told the participants.

He emphasised that the Centre was created to support all types of investment in Ghana, domestic and foreign, saying “GIPC facilitates investments that helps our country forge ahead both local and international - it is important that Ghanaians invest in their country and we are here to help make sure that happens."

The event was also to sensitize young entrepreneurs, create avenues to interact with captains of industry and to promote dialogue between the private sector and government.

On her part General Manager of Venture Capital, Hamdiya Ismaila spoke on ways that SME's could gain access to capital.

She said SME's need to have well thought through plans to make access to funding much easier.

Present at the mentorship session were, Daniel McKorley, CEO of McDan shipping, Richard Adjei, CEO of Kasapreko, Constance Swaniker, CEO of Accents and Arts, Alex Bram, CEO of Hubtel and many others. 

The GIPC also indicated that aspects of the GIPC Act was under review to enhance activities of the Center and improve investments in the country.

Through this forum, business owners can also learn about the GIPC and how it can support their endeavours in forming a partnership.

The event was attended by over 300 businesses owned by young entrepreneurs who were also introduced to the GIPC, its functions, and how the agency was available to provide support for growing businesses through various service offerings.