The newly-elected President of the Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI) wants a conducive working environment for local businesses to thrive.

Reverend Christian Balaaji was elected at the national delegates’ conference of the Association in Kumasi. He will lead the new executives in steering the affairs of the trade group in the next four years.

ASSI Ghana was established in 1986 as the apex body of trade sector associations within the manufacturing and service sectors in Ghana. The Association has been working to complement efforts of State institutions in developing the small-scale sector.

Rev. Balaaji bemoaned the lack of a conducive working environment for local small-scale businesses to boost their operations and enhance the economy.

The group is requesting that the government institutes measures that would cushion small and micro businesses against pressures that could push them to the brink of collapse.

Rev. Balaaji highlighted plans by leadership to reposition the association to ensure members enjoy essential benefits.

“We will bring out innovations to see to it that we speak with that one voice and value the ideas of each one of us to see meaningful progress," he said.

The ASSI President called for unity in the Association to confront the issues ahead.

"From today we are moving on as a united front. What I and my administration will not entertain is backbiting and hearsay," he cautioned. "If you can go to discuss your issue with another person nothing stops you from addressing your grievance to us".

Rev Balaagi promised to operate a decentralized administration to strengthen the Association’s activities in the regions and districts.

Other elected executives include Mrs. Tina Offei Yirenkyi, Vice President; Abdullah Samarie, General Secretary; Charles Asabilah, Deputy General Secretary; Joana Eshun, Treasurer; Mohammed Mikaela Omar, Financial Secretary; and Rauf Ishmael Yusif, Organizer.