Accra, April 30,GNA - Ghanaian local firms have been urged to embrace Information Technology (IT) as a central point in their outfits to enable them to move with current business trends and be able to compete with their counterparts elsewhere.

Mr Urs Patky, an international IT Consultant, made the call during a talk on: "Using Computers and Information Technology in Stimulating Effective Problem Analysis, Decision-Making and Implementation in Organisations," at a day's seminar held for members of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) on Thursday in Accra.

Mr Patky said to attain any progress in a company, the Chief Executive Officer needed information on IT to be able to analyse the company's performance and based on that, make the right decisions. The seminar, on the theme: "Effective Problem Analysis, Decision-Making and Implementation in Business; the New Challenge to Corporate Growth, Profits and Competitiveness" top business executive officers from about 30 companies.

The companies included the Ghana Commercial Bank; First Atlantic Bank; Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority; GIHOC Distilleries; Major and Co; Dannex Limited; Provident Insurance Company and Ghana Union Association.

Mr Patky said the current global business trend was moving very fast to the advantage of the Western Europe and America, who had mastered the use of IT, had taken control of the world trade order. He, therefore, challenged Ghanaian firms to take IT seriously and inculcate it in every aspect of business to enable them to meet the world standard of business transaction and also save cost.

Mr Solomon Abam Quartey, President of the GNCCI, organisers of the event, indicated that, the current complex global economy required managers, chief executives, board members, heads of departments and employees with multi-sectoral orientation and talents.

Other topics discussed at the seminar included: "Developing and Sustaining Excellent Human Relations and High Productivity Through Effective Problem Analysis; Decision-Making and Implementation in Human Resource Administration and Change Management and Corporate Governance.