President Akufo-Addo inaugurates “Employers House”
The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the Ghana Employers Association (GEA’s) newly constructed headquarters at North Ridge in Accra.
Located at 6th Tafawa Balewa Avenue at North Ridge, the imposing three-storey “Employers House” building is the first permanent house for the association since its establishment in 1959.
It has modern facilities, including conference rooms equipped for high-level meetings and negotiations, training rooms designed to foster learning and development and offices that serve as the operational areas for staff and other functions of the association.
The project was financed from levies and special contributions by its members, as well as a GH¢5 million donation by the government.
Significance
President Akufo-Addo said the building provided a suitable platform for collaboration and, therefore, represented a symbol of shared commitment to a stronger and more prosperous business community in the country.
He urged employers to use the facility to its full potential and make it a hub of networking, knowledge sharing and the development of ground-breaking ideas.
“It must be a springboard for businesses to expand their reach and conquer new markets through the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and other existing bilateral and multilateral trade agreements,” he added.
Engagements
President Akufo-Addo recalled his meetings with the association and the feedback prior to the 2016 elections, which he said had influenced several aspects of his economic policies upon becoming President.
He mentioned that he held a meeting with the leadership of the association in October 2022 to dialogue and make inputs to the development of a post-COVID-19 programme and world economic downturn that had affected countries, including Ghana.
The President further said that inputs by the association helped to guide the government to mainstream the interests and sentiments of employers in the formulation and implementation of policies which were helping to ensure macroeconomic stability, disinflation and elimination of market uncertainties.
Support
President Akufo-Addo explained that the association is the cornerstone of the country’s economy, driving growth and innovation, jobs and wealth creation and that his government was committed to creating an environment where businesses would thrive and perform their designated roles in society.
The President said the GEA had been a true partner in advocating sound economic and social policies, promoting best labour practices and providing some invaluable support to businesses of all sizes.
The GEA Journey
The President of the association, Dan Acheampong, said with over 1,200 employers, the GEA instituted a special levy in 2012 for all members, with others making additional contributions towards the building of the edifice.
He said the project was a declaration of their identity and purpose and would serve as a fortress of thought leadership and a place where policies and strategies would be harnessed to enhance the competitiveness of employers and businesses, and by extension, the national economy.
Mr Acheampong added that it would serve as the central nerve of their operations and provide a conducive environment for employers to deliberate and make decisions that would shape the future of industry in the country.