Hohoe, July 20, GNA- Political labelling, name-calling and difficulty in coming by financial assistance are undermining the expected growth development of the small and medium scale industries in Ghana.

This was the general view expressed by proprietors of a number of small-scale businesses during interaction with members of the Volta Region Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association at the weekend.

The interaction formed part of GJA and KAB Governance Consult collaborative efforts in promoting advocacy for small and medium scale business growth and development in Ghana. The entrepreneurs argued that the phenomenal growth of the Asians were as a result of congenial competitive business environment devoid of political labelling.

"If the private sector would be the engine of growth, then serious attention must be accorded businesses and not on party lines".

"There are serious machinations, discrimination and intimidation, with the faint hearted only shattered to quit", an entrepreneur who did not want to be identified noted.

He therefore called on government and other major stakeholders to re-double efforts at minimizing the partisan political undertones to business promotion and development. He said the business sector looked up to government to provide the necessary leadership and platform for economic buoyancy and self-sufficiency.

He advised the youth to venture into private ventures ten years prior to going on pension to guarantee self-reliance and job creation. Madam Comfort Afeke, a hairdresser at Kpando said the procedures and processes in accessing government sponsored financial assistance for business expansion were frustrating and must be addressed. Mr. Bright Kwame Blewu, General Secretary of GJA said the initiative would help in the process of propelling the media to effectively articulate the concerns of small-scale business industries for rapid growth in the sector.

Mr. Kwesi Afriyie Badu, Chief Executive of KAB Governance Consult advised entrepreneurs in small and medium scale businesses to develop good rapport with the media towards the promotion of their businesses. 20 July 08