SNV Netherlands Development Organisation under the GrEEn project, has organised the third edition of its annual GrEEn Investment Fora for SMEs in the Western Region at Takoradi.
The three-day fora, which was on the theme, ‘Pathways to promoting investment opportunities in the green and circular economy’ highlighted economic opportunities in the green circular economy in the Western Region and explored workable solutions to the challenges that limit investments in the green economy.
The event, comprised of presentations, panel discussions, pitch sessions and an exhibition. It is expected that the forum would improve awareness of the economic opportunities in Ghana’s green and circular economy, with special focus on the Ashanti and Western Regions, networking opportunity for investors as well as SMEs and other stakeholders.
Also, it is to enhance SME financing opportunities for development including new financing products, attract potential diaspora investors and networking,” Mrs. Genevieve Parker-Twum, Senior Incubation and Acceleration Advisor of SNV Ghana.
“The objective of the GrEEn Project is to promote sustainable development and growth of green SMEs at the local level,” she said.
She said the fora would increase understanding and demystify the investment landscape for green entrepreneurs in Ghana.
Mr. Yofi Grant, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), in an address read for him, acknowledged that the private sector investment in the green circular economy, has been on the low key due to some challenges.
Some of the challenges, he mentioned, included inadequate information and ineffective packaging and promotion of pipeline bankable project as well as lack of investor expertise.
He called on the youth as well as small and medium-scale enterprises to adopt green innovative projects, to help promote sustainable development and growth of the Ghanaian economy.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, in an address read for him also advised stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the private sector to operate and create jobs that would lead to poverty reduction through increased employment and more, importantly, the use of local resources to advance economic development.
He noted that the youth are the important asset to the labour market, a significant driver of the national economy and by improving the employment abilities and entrepreneurship capabilities of them, women, as well as returning migrants in a more sustainable manner, the story on enterprises will be different.
