Koforidua, July 14, GNA - Lack of finance and logistical constraints are hampering growth of small-scale businesses and industries in Eastern Region. Small business enterprises such as dressmaking and tailoring, carpentry, gari processing, soap manufacturing, body creams and beverage production are facing financial constraints. This was the observation when members of Eastern Region branch of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) attending a workshop went on a study tour of selected industries and small businesses in the Region. The workshop is under the 'Using the media to strengthen business advocacy' project being sponsored by management of BUSAC Fund. Most of the industries visited mentioned lack of access to loan facilities, infrastructure and logistical constraints as some of the challenges facing the growth of their business.

Mrs Gladys Ansah, Eastern Regional Secretary of Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), said due to financial constraints most members had closed down their businesses while others even though operating were not progressing. She noted that most of the apprentices had to hire sewing machines on monthly basis while others found it difficult to make a living from their vocation because they could not meet the huge demands of landlords.

Mrs Ansah who had been operating since 1983, suggested that a special fund in the form of cooperative loans should be set aside to cushion businesses in the informal sector to enable them pay realistic taxes.

Mr Bernard Antie, member of Wood Workers Association, said they had to travel long distances before they could buy wood for their operations making it expensive for them to operate and appealed for the establishment of a wood village to enable them access raw materials to facilitate their operations. Mr Kwasi Afriyie-Badu, Chief Executive Officer of KAB Governance Consult, the project consultants said the tour was to enable journalists know at first hand from entrepreneurs their challenges to help in the process of propelling the media to effectively articulate those concerns.

He said it was only when private businesses thrived that the economy would improve hence the institution of the GJA/BUSAC business advocacy project.

Mr Afriyie-Badu assured entrepreneurs that their concerns would be highlighted through the project and advised them to be transparent and keep proper records of their businesses.