The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has officially launched the 5th edition of its Chamber Business Awards, placing a strong emphasis on fostering a revitalised national development agenda through strategic public-private collaboration.

Speaking at the launch event held at the GNCCI National Secretariat in Accra, Mr. Stephane Miezan, President of the GNCCI, underscored the critical need for a results-driven partnership between government and the private sector to unlock Ghana's economic potential.

Under the timely theme: "Revitalising Ghana’s Development Agenda through Strategic Public-Private Collaboration", Mr. Miezan welcomed distinguished guests and industry captains, highlighting the Chamber's commitment to moving Ghana "from promise to performance".

Acknowledging Ghana's inherent economic strengths, Mr. Miezan pointed out that its potential has long been "underutilised due to structural bottlenecks in local production."

While recent months have seen "notable improvements in macroeconomic performance", including promising signs in inflation, exchange rates, bank reference rates, and reserve holdings, the GNCCI President cautioned that these gains must be viewed within the context of prevailing global economic uncertainty, including slower global growth and shifts in international policy, particularly in the United States.

"This is why we believe now is the time to revitalise Ghana’s development agenda, with strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors at its foundation," Mr. Miezan asserted.

He articulated the private sector's eagerness to partner with government to "boost production, reduce imports, and expand Ghana’s exports", stressing that this requires "deeper engagement, shared goals, and mutual commitment between policymakers and the business community."

The GNCCI intends to leverage this year’s Business Awards beyond merely recognising excellence. It aims to actively "champion the call for more structured and impactful public-private collaboration", which Mr. Miezan described as a "practical imperative".

He identified tremendous opportunities in key areas such as value addition to agricultural produce, development of robust industrial infrastructure, accelerated digitalisation, and entrepreneurship.

The awards will not only celebrate Ghanaian businesses that have "excelled, adapted, and led in times of challenge" but also provide a crucial platform for reflection on the broader ecosystem supporting business growth. "If we are to sustain our gains and translate macroeconomic recovery into real improvements in the lives of Ghanaians, government and business must work together intentionally and strategically," he concluded.

Mr. Miezan extended an invitation to all stakeholders – including government bodies, donor agencies, industry associations, academia, and the wider private sector – to rally behind the vision of the 5th GNCCI Chamber Business Awards. The event is scheduled to culminate in a grand celebration rewarding achievement and strengthening the foundation for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic transformation for Ghana.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Prince Ackuaku, emphasised that Ghana's aspirations for inclusive growth, job creation, industrialisation, and resilience cannot rest solely on the shoulders of government.

“It requires partnerships. Strategic ones,” he supported comments by the GNCCI President.

“Across the globe, nations that are succeeding in transforming their economies are doing so by fostering deliberate and intentional, dynamic collaborations between the state and the private sector. Ghana must not be left behind.”

“Let us think beyond silos. Let us work together. Let us revitalise Ghana’s development agenda through strategic, sustained collaboration,” he concluded.