Bill to ease business licence acquisition in offing

A new bill is in the offing to streamline the cross-sectoral licensing requirements for private enterprises in Ghana.

The new bill, which is still at its draft stage, would seek to help address the difficulties private enterprises face in obtaining certification and licences to operate in the country.

At a dialogue with parliamentarians organised by the Private Enterprise Federation (PEF) in Koforidua on Monday February 29, stakeholders discussed and adopted the draft bill for further processes.

The advocacy project is being funded by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC).

Nana Osei Bonsu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for PEF, observed that the nature and mode of implementation of licences and permits have great effects on the private sector, and that any delay caused in acquiring them escalates costs.

He noted that going through a total of 145 or more business licence requirements is a disincentive, hence the need for a law to streamline the processes.

Joseph Zaphenat Amenowode, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Employment, Social Welfare, and State Enterprises, said licence delays stemmed from common reasons such as inadequate technical staffing, logistics and technological challenges; and over centralisation.

He expressed hope that, all things being equal, the successful inception of the 'law' would ensure that private enterprises acquire permits within a maximum of three months to attract more investors into Ghana.

Ahmed Baba Jamal, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, lauded the advocacy actions taken by PEF and pledged government's commitment to enhancing private sector activities in Ghana.

The BUSAC Fund Manager, Nicolas Jorgensen Gebara, expressed happiness with the Parliamentarians' commitment in helping create a serene environment for private businesses in the country.