The Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STRCCI) is to organise a five-day training programme on developing local Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) suppliers for mining, oil and gas sectors at Busua in the Western Region.

The programme is to provide foundational knowledge and skills required to develop local SMEs for participants to work together in developing local enterprises for growth, development, and effective and efficient service delivery. Speaking to the B&FT in an interview, Mr. Vincent Annan, the Executive Secretary of STRCCI, explained that there will be presentations and workshops by experts covering local SME supplier development using case-study examples to illustrate concepts.

“There will be experienced industry speakers and facilitated group work designed to build on the principles presented -- a community of practice network wills be established by STRCCI to support programme alumni who are prepared to mentor and direct New Supplier Development Initiatives,” he said.

He said it is expected that representative from industry, Government, education and civil society -- including procurement and community development managers from mining, oil and gas industries, Government agencies such as the Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Energy, the Petroleum Commission, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation as well as civil society among others will attend the programme.

He pointed out that topics to be discussed will include: adapting industry procurement practice; linking buyers and sellers; designing a supplier capability development programme; linking industrial policy and supplier development; as well as enhancing the conditions for success through good governance among others.

“STRCCI believes by the end of the programme SMEs will develop themselves in terms of quality and standards that will conform to new global trend,” he added.

Also, he said individuals and companies will change the old style of doing business to attract more investors into the country -- this causes the economy to grow, reduces the unemployment rate for government, generates revenue and leads to industrialisation.