A four-day training programme on effective business advocacy ends

A four-day training programme on advocacy, organised by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge Fund, for 30 members of the Sekondi-Takoradi Association of Small Scale Industries ended in Takoradi on Sunday.

The participants included photographers, weavers, wood workers, printers and manufacturers of batik tie and dye.

Speaking at the programme, Mr Lord-Lucas Vodzi, the lead facilitator, said the training would assist the association to dialogue with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to be involved in the fee-fixing process for its members.

He said the fees are often too high for the members to pay, leading to conflict with the revenue collectors.

Mr Vodzi said: "The training aimed at effective advocacy with the STMA to agree on moderate fees to minimise conflicts and promote small scale businesses for the development of the country."

He urged the people to support the decentralisation process which has come to stay and to work collectively to bring about development.

Mr Vodzi noted that the sub-structures of the local government system are not functioning, hence the need for the government to provide funds to strengthen the structures.

He suggested that the Members of Parliament share of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund should be used to strengthen the sub-structures to enable the structures to develop.

Mr Victias Tetteh, a co-facilitator, said the training would help strengthen the internal structures of the association and assist the participants to identify teething problems of their businesses and find solutions to them.

It would also help the participants to create vibrant business environments in the metropolis and improve revenue mobilisation of the STMA.