GEA Holds its 65th Annual General Meeting in Accra
The Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) successfully held its 65th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17th September 2025 at the Employers’ House, North Ridge, Accra. The event, which brought together captains of industry, policymakers, diplomatic representatives, and development partners, provided a platform for employers to deliberate on pressing national issues under the theme: “Leveraging Technology for Enterprise Development: The Way Forward.”
Proceedings commenced with the statutory business session, where members considered the audited accounts, received updates on pensions from the Director-General of SSNIT and the Deputy CEO of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). The highlight of the day was the official opening session, which featured addresses from the President of GEA, Nana Dr. Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee Afriyie, the General Manager, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at MTN Ghana, Nana Kofi Asare, and the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo.
In his statement, Nana Dr. Adu-Sarkodee Afriyie underscored the Association’s growing influence in shaping national and international policy, citing GEA’s courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama earlier in May, where proposals such as a Job Creation Tax Credit to support the 24-Hour Economy Policy and a National Employment Summit were tabled. He emphasized that technology adoption is no longer optional but the foundation for enterprise competitiveness, highlighting opportunities in AI, blockchain, e-commerce, and cloud computing. He also drew attention to challenges facing businesses, including high internet costs, unreliable infrastructure, digital skills gaps, and cybersecurity risks. The President further urged government and social partners to work collectively to expand broadband access, enforce cybersecurity standards, and promote reskilling among workers.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Mr. Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, Nana Kofi Asare described technology as the “lifeline” of modern business, stressing that enterprises that fail to embrace digital tools risk being left behind. He outlined MTN’s role in powering digital transformation, especially among SMEs, through tailored products such as MoMo for Business, SME Digital Hubs, and support for women entrepreneurs with the Adwumapa bundle. He emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors, including agriculture, finance, and manufacturing, while also highlighting MTN’s investments in ICT hubs, digital skills academies, and partnerships with government to build a future-ready workforce.
On behalf of the government, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a conducive environment for private sector growth. He emphasized reforms in tax administration, business registration, and digital public service delivery as part of efforts to reduce barriers to enterprise development. He called on employers to partner government in creating jobs, especially for the youth, by providing internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. According to the Minister, Ghana’s development depends on synergy between government and business to leverage technology, attract investment, and create sustainable employment.
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