The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly’s Business Advisory Centre (BAC) has held its maiden Business Stakeholders’ Forum with a call on business operators to strictly adhere to regulatory and compliance requirements to help strengthen the Municipality’s economic development.
The forum, which brought together traders, entrepreneurs and key regulatory institutions, highlighted the essential role businesses play in driving growth within the local economy.
In a welcome address, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Christian Tetteh Badger, described the engagement as a vital platform for strengthening collaboration between MSMEs and regulatory agencies.
He noted that the forum, held under the theme “Creating Awareness of Regulatory Requirements and Related Activities for Sustainable Growth,” was designed to deepen understanding of legal frameworks governing business operations.
He highlighted the ongoing “Business in the Box Project,” a four-year government initiative aimed at providing dignified and fulfilling jobs to 250,000 young people nationwide—70 percent of whom are women, with 10 percent reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Hon. Badger encouraged participants to fully engage with resource persons, ask questions and use the opportunity to network for business growth, assuring that the Assembly remains committed to supporting entrepreneurship and economic transformation in the Municipality.
Madam Stella Bemah-Kyei, Head of the Business Advisory Centre, stressed the need for business owners to formalize their operations, register their enterprises, and honour their tax obligations.
According to her, compliance not only attracts investors but also promotes sustainable business expansion.
She added that the forum would become an annual event aimed at empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Municipality.
The Head of Environmental Health Madam Christiana Otoo urged business operators to observe COVID-19 protocols such as frequent handwashing and the use of sanitizers.
She further cautioned against environmental pollution, noting that smoke emissions from vehicles contribute to poor air quality.
Representatives from various regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drugs Authority and the Office of the Registrar of Companies, Institute of Packaging and Hollard Insurance made presentations to educate participants on standards and procedures relevant to their operations.
Also present at the event were Mr. Francis Mensah, the Municipal Coordinating Director and Heads of Departments and Units of the Assembly.
Source: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson AD IIB
