As Ghana grapples with economic uncertainties, amidst a landscape of shifting markets and emerging global dynamics, the importance of entrepreneurship has become increasingly critical.
The Senior Staff Association of Ghana, UCC Local (SSA UoG-UCC) organized a seminar for its members on November 23, 2023, with the theme “Empowering Senior Staff for Entrepreneurial Success: An Added Advantage”.
The seminar which is part of the Association’s annual week-long celebration was to propel members to find avenues to make money while in active productive service at the University.
During the seminar, keynote Speaker and 1st Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Ghana Union of Trade Association, Barima Dr. Nana Ofori Ameyaw emphasized the need for Ghanaians to pursue entrepreneurship and avoid dependence on Government employment opportunities.
He reminded members to overlook risk factors involved in entrepreneurship and explore more avenues in order to build their brands.
The Immediate Past President of GUTA however, called on government, academia and stakeholders to address the issues related to the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) to promote fair trade practices among neighbouring countries of Ghana.
“Akosomo textile, GTP, special ice or whatever. If you produce, you cannot send these items to Nigeria because it’s been blacklisted there. So as a member of the ECOWAS sub-regional body, why is it that one country is saying that for me, I will not allow you to bring goods to my shores?” He continued.
Meanwhile, the Director at the Office of Ethics and Internal Investigations of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Bernard Ato Otabil, emphasized the importance of ethical principles such as integrity, transparency, and accountability among others to enable them to thrive in their entrepreneurship businesses.
Further to this, he advised against financial irresponsibility within the unstable Ghanaian Economy.
In an interview with ATLFMNEWS on the sideline of the seminar, he explained that entrepreneurship is not the key to a financially free life hence Ghanaians must learn to manage their finances well to have much gains.
“Many people are indebted because they are involved in impulse buying, which affects their wellbeing. As the festive season is approaching, I urge all Ghanaians to have a budget based on their scale of preference else, they will remain poor in the coming year,” he continued.
Academia Suggestions
Prof. Mrs. Mavis Serwah Benneh Mensah, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprise Development (CESED) of the University of Cape Coast speaking on behalf of the Pro Vice-Chancellor suggested that members of SSA-UoG UCC local consider corporate entrepreneurship to help the university thrive.
She emphasized the potential for additional income through collaboration with established entities such as UCC, the Bank of Ghana and other public institutions.
“Already established entities have the capacity in terms of resources to get us all on board, to take the opportunity because when the institution is doing well, the institution will be paying us our salaries, and all other things will go up.”
While expressing joy at the knowledge garnered at the seminar, the Director of the Directorate of Human Resource, Rev. Isaac Baafi Sarbeng, implored members to ensure a substantial balance between their official work and entrepreneurship work.
“More so, it will be good for our retirees when you retire and you have some business in addition to the government package. Let us go by the ethical principles; don’t do that at the expense of your official work,” he said.
He added that it is important for those into entrepreneurship while in active productive service at the University to create avenues for others to assist in their side businesses.
Rev. Isaac Baafi Sarbeng echoed the need for those above to enable members to have the peace of mind to be productive at both jobs.
Practical Suggestion
The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast North, Dr. Kwabena Mintah Nyarku advocated for strategic networking in empowering entrepreneurs.
He encouraged members to embrace strategic partnerships, which would also benefit the entire group and improve their welfare.
Dr. Mintah Nyarku also highlighted three key areas where individuals could potentially generate income – food, health, and clothing – and urged them to share resources and seek lucrative business opportunities.
He emphasized the importance of building a solid network, stating that having critical friends in various fields such as law, finance, and healthcare can provide support in times of need.
To him, individuals ought to calculate risks wisely and build networks that are critical to their welfare and development stressing the importance of making smart and calculated decisions to ultimately become better themselves.
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Source: Aba Aikins Appah & Angelina Riley Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
