Accra, Aug. 8, GNA- Mr. Kwame Afreh, president of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana, on Friday said bad business practices and attitude had obstructed the growth of the construction industry in the country. He said "We have allowed ignorance to destroy the lifeblood of our existence. For most of us, this is the only business we are engaged in, so we should do everything within our power to let the industry thrive".

Mr Afreh said these at the close of a four-day training workshop on the concept and practice of advocacy for building and civil engineering, which was attended by national executives of association. He called on building and civil engineers to find effective ways of advocating best practices to enhance the development of the industry. The workshop was also aimed at equipping participants with skills to enable them to identify problems, create awareness and find common platform to draw the attention of the relevant stakeholders to challenges facing the industry.

Mr Afreh urged the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing to play a facilitating role in the training of contractors and to support the association.

He called for private sector participation in policy formulation and review of policies to create favourable business environment to enhance the capacity of business associations. Mrs Theresa Tuffour, who represented the sector Minister, assured contractors of the support of the Ministry. She said the Ministry would soon come out with programmes to upgrade and sharpen their skills of contractors so that they could meet international labour market requirements. The workshop was funded by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund (BUSAC), which supports the private sector to influence the business environment through advocacy and also assist in poverty reduction.

Topics treated included advocacy, research, negotiation, networking skills, communication and sustaining advocacy. Certificates were awarded to all the participants. 8 Aug. 08