Accra June 25, GNA - Mr Alan Kyerematen Minister of Trade, Industry and President's Special Initiatives, on Friday praised the innovations and creativity of the private sector in the efforts to create jobs in the country. He was speaking when SKD Limited, manufacturers of audio/video cassettes presented its international award and works to the Minister in Accra.

Mr Kyerematen called on Ghanaians especially the youth not to see buying and selling as the only means for their survival but come out with innovations. On April 30, this year, Foundation for Excellence in Business Practice, based in Geneva awarded SKD Limited with a gold medal for its achievements.

The Minister reminded the youth of the government's readiness to support the initiatives individuals and groups. He commended the company for winning the award especially in the area of assembling cassettes, CD-R duplication as well as providing digital sound engineering solutions to music producers. Mr Stephen Diawuo, Managing Director of SKD Limited, said he was formerly engaged in trading but decided to go into the manufacturing of CDs and other cassettes, which he noted, has received international recognition.

He said his company established in 1985, manufactures 48,000 cassettes and 6,000 CDs every day with 53 employees. Mr Benard Bosompra, Copyright Administrator, noted that, the fact that SKD has been recognised for the good work means that, "the sector is capable of contributing to the growth of the country."

"The fact that a participant in the sector is recognised, shows that we have a vibrant sector that the nation has to protect so that it can help in the country's socio- economic development," he said.