By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
The President of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Stephane Abass Miezan, has announced plans to establish youth chambers in universities across the country.
“We have decided to focus on empowering women and youths. For a very long time, issues affecting women have been neglected globally. As a chamber, we are committed to changing that. Moving forward, we will establish youth chambers in universities and tertiary institutions. These chamber clubs will educate young people on the importance of entrepreneurship; so when they graduate, they are prepared to create jobs rather than seek them,” he said.
He revealed this at a press soirée in Accra. The event forms part of efforts to strengthen the chamber’s long-lasting relationship with the media, which has been invaluable in supporting the chamber’s mission to promote and protect the private sector.
This initiative, according to Mr. Miezan, will provide a platform for students to learn about entrepreneurship, business management as well as leadership skills. He said it will also offer them opportunities to socialise with established business leaders and access resources and support to help them start their own businesses.
The GNCCI’s focus on youth empowerment is part of its broader strategy to promote economic growth and development. By supporting young entrepreneurs, the chamber hopes to create a new generation of business leaders who can drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the country’s economic prosperity.
He stressed the need for collaboration with the media, adding that the media is responsible for echoing the works of the chamber.
“We know the role of the media in all spears of the things that we do. Inasmuch as we shine in our room, homes and offices, it is you [media] who can tell the stories of how bright we are; so we do not take you for granted. That is why I said that of all the things that we have thought of doing, meeting the media is the first and most important thing, ”he mentioned.
“We appreciate you so much; we appreciate the work that you do and we know that you’re going to support us. Having been elected as leaders, we have a vision that we want to achieve but who is there to speak for us. Inasmuch as we do the work we want to do, if we don’t befriend you, get closer to you, and you don’t understand us, who is going to sell the story?” he emphasised.
Mr. Miezan also mentioned strong advocacy for the business community as one of the most important things the new GNCCI leadership intends to tackle. Others are taxes, access to finance and developmental issues.
GNCCI Executive Officer, Mark Badu-Aboagye, for his part, emphasised the need for a conducive business environment, citing the chamber’s efforts to advocate policy changes.
“On the issue of policies, we have done that over and over again. All that we’re looking for is an environment that is conducive of businesses,” he stressed.
