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Produce
honest and disciplined workforce-Aliu Mahama
Accra, June 11, Ghanadot/GNA- Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice
President on Tuesday urged African governments to produce a
workforce that is disciplined, honest, responsible,
innovative and receptive to new ideas.
“As Ghana was going through its strategic priority of Human
Resource development, it requires a workforce with such a
profile which promises productivity and profitability”
These were contained in a speech read on his behalf at the
3rd Ghana-Africa Business Awards in Accra which was
organized by Top Brass Ghana in collaboration with Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Regional Co-0peration and NEPAD under
the theme”
Accelerating Ghana’s
Economic Development through increased Intra-African Trade
and Investment.
A total of 27 corporate institutions were honoured for their
contribution to the increase in exports and the promotion of
New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).
The awards were given in the Gold, Silver and Bronze
categories depending on the achievement of the company.
“Though not all the foregoing requirements are in place,
corporate Africa ought to rise to the challenge of wealth
creation even if the environment is not as perfect as they
would want it to be,” he said.
Alhaji Mahama noted that this was essential since global
trends now change so fast that no situation would ever be
totally stable and perfect.
“With few exceptions, there is some amount of prejudice
against individual wealth in Africa. Pervasive poverty and
extremist ideology have combined to create a distrust of
profit making entrepreneurs. But we need to learn to
appreciate that entrepreneurs are people who take great
risks to make things happen. An entrepreneur makes profit
only when other factors of production are satisfied,” he
said.
Alhaji Mahama noted that there are important gaps in food
supply that could be filled with enhanced intra-regional
trade.
“This calls for more investment in modern large scale
farming. Concerns in Western markets over excessive use of
chemicals when addressed, can open up for well-packaged and
branded fresh produce from Africa,” he added.
According to Alhaji Mahama, the rule of law and respect for
human rights would be more meaningful to the average African
if it was backed by access to social and economic public
goods.
“Though Africa has major economic objectives and plans at
the continental, regional and National levels,
implementation would remain slow, if actors in the economic
sectors do not become pro-active,” he said.
According to Alhaji Mahama, debt relief and better economic
governance would generate the resources Africa needs to
invest in basic infrastructure such as transportation,
Communications, Energy and potable water.
“The NEPAD approach of shared financing of Sub-Regional
infrastructure means economies of scale may be achieved
where one country cannot deliver by itself. The West Africa
Gas Pipeline is a good example of sound Inter-Country
Co-operation which would lead to immense market benefits for
all the countries concerned,” he said.
Alhaji Mahama noted that when business risk takers are
honoured, it enhances their chances of accelerated growth
through trade and investment.
Nana Prah Agyensaim IV, Paramount Chief of Assin Owirenki
Traditional area and President of Kushea Traditional Council
urged African businessmen and women who have similar
cultural and spiritual origins to unite and work towards
economic growth.
GNA
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