Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has inaugurated a 20-member council to act as its highest decision making body.

Before the members were sworn into office, Seth Adjei Baah, President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said they would be tasked to steer the affairs of the chamber.

He explained that the formation of the council became necessary following the dissolution of the previous one, adding “the continued transformation of the Chamber would be nothing but evidence of the effectiveness of the council.”

The council, he stated, derives its powers from the legislative Instrument 611 which sets up the Chamber.

“We must not forget that many institutions and bodies have suffered great setbacks and eventual collapse because they lacked the right kind of leaders to effectively steer their affairs but I say with confidence and hope that this new council is well able to deliver without failure,” said Mr Adjei-Baah.

Seth Terkper, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, who led members of the new council, said government remains committed to supporting the private sector, which has been described as the engine of growth.

He added that government would collaborate with players in private sector to make them more competitive and also provide the necessary infrastructure such as rail lines, roads and habour facilities.

Johnson Adasi, Director of Industry at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, gave the assurance that his ministry would support the sector to compete equally in the local and international market.

“We would support the private sector to become more competitive so that industry can export some of the local goods produced here in Ghana to earn foreign exchange for us and to compete with goods that come into our country.”

The council is made up of 18 men and two woman including Seth Adjei Baah, President; Prosper Adabla, First Vice President; Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso, Second Vice President; Michael Akwasi Sarpong, Secretary, Victoria Hajar, National Treasurer and Wilson Attah Krofah, a former president of the chamber.

Others include Kate Quartey Papafio of the Reroy Cables Limited, representing the manufacturing sector; D.K.Mensah of the Ghana Association of Bankers, George Kwaku Ofori, president of the Ghana Union of Traders Association.

The rest are Clement Osei Amoako, Ato Van-Es, Harry Mensah, Bernard Owusu Ansah, Nana Akwanuasa, Isaac Barry, Imram Kwakye, Ahaji Shehu Wumbei, Lawyer J.S. Awudu, Douglas Akuamoah Boating, Josephine Esi Okutu.