The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has stated that the teeming unemployed youth in the Ashanti Region need jobs to make a living.

He appealed to entrepreneurs in the private sector to expand their businesses to offer job opportunities to his royals and subjects.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu, whose speech was read on his behalf by Oheneba Adusei Poku, the Akyenpemhene at the inauguration of the Kejetia branch of Best Point Savings and Loans Limited, expressed grave concern about the high unemployment rate in the country.

According to Otumfuo, the Ashanti Region lacks major industries that could employ people despite the fact that it is the home of business activities.

He praised the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Despite Group of companies, Osei Kwame Despite, for investing in several businesses in the country.

The Asantehene urged management of Best Point Savings and Loans Limited to open many branches in Kumasi to offer soft loans to people to expand their businesses.

Samuel Sarpong, the Ashanti Regional Minister, who graced the occasion, stated that the expansion of the company’s operations in Ashanti was vital.

According to him, the move was justified because the Ashanti Region is populous, cosmopolitan and heterogeneous.

“Its central location also makes it conducive for the growth and development of emerging companies,” Mr. Sarpong noted, and admonished staff of the company to refrain from illegal, fraudulent and unethical acts which could negatively affect the image of the company.

The Regional Minister tasked people in the region to take advantage of the services of company to improve their lives.

Rev. Dr. Yinkah Sarfo, Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kumasi, urged the citizens to cultivate the habit of savings to create wealth for themselves.

“This is what has helped citizens of the western world countries,” the Reverend Minister intimated.

The Head of Banking Supervision of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Boye Donkor, appealed to the company to adhere to regulations, and ensure that staff remain disciplined and professional.

He also asked management to educate public about financial issues, particularly book-keeping for the SMEs.

Mr. Donkor called on management to use the credit bureau to investigate the background of potential customers.