Takoradi May 5, GNA - Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Friday said the government is willing to offer the necessary support for graduates of the country's universities and other tertiary institutions to set up their businesses.

Opening a wholesale and retail outlet of Ernest Chemists in Takoradi, he said this is because the government believes in private enterprise. Mr Aidoo said, "The shining example of Ernest Chemists and the like must be a wake up call to all young graduates who think that they can make it only in Europe or the United States of America". He said, "With a tenacity of purpose, collaboration, a little start-up capital, I do not see why we should queue at Embassies and High Commissions to acquire visas to do menial jobs despite the chain of degrees, diplomas and certificates that we hold".

Mr Aidoo said the strides that Ernest Chemists had made is a testimony of the ingenuity of the Ghanaian and the ability of the country's educational institutions to produce graduates who can solve problems. He appealed to industries to collaborate with research institutions to make use of research findings.

Mr Philip Kwesi Nkrumah, Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, spoke of plans to develop the Central Business District (CBD) of Takoradi. He said the Metropolitan Assembly was having discussions with some banks on the project that would make it possible for businesses to locate in the CBD. Mr Nkrumah said many businesses are not able to locate in the area because of lack of stores and offices. He said many jobs would be created when new companies moved to the area.

Dr Sylvester Anemana, Regional Director of Health Services, said Ernest Chemists would facilitate the National Health Insurance Scheme in the region by providing quality and affordable drugs to support the scheme. Dr Anemana called on the public to cooperate with the company to provide drugs to majority of the people.

Later, the company presented 50 million cedis worth of its products and a 21-inch Samsung colour television each to the Takoradi Hospital, Axim Hospital and the Tarkwa Hospital.