Businesses discuss cutting out bureaucracy

A forum to discuss effective ways to cut out the bureaucracy and simplify the procedures for establishing businesses in the country has been held in Koforidua.

It was organized by the Private Enterprise Foundation (PEF) with support from the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC) Fund and the goal was to assist introduce a bill in parliament, which would substantially reduce the registration and licensing requirements.

The programme brought together parliamentary select committees, officials of some ministries and departments, and captains of industry.

Nana Osei Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer of the (PEF), called for the introduction of an electronic and internet platform for the registration and licensing of companies as well as the payment of the required fees.

He said it should be made possible for people to register or acquire license for their businesses without necessary having to physically appear at the offices of the agencies assigned these tasks.

That, he noted, would make it easier for all the agencies to have a data base of companies operating in the country.

He again recommended that, the licensing agencies should be empowered by law to retain fees paid by businesses to be used to upgrade the technology and tools, engage additional staff and run technical training to enhance performance.

Nana Osei Bonsu also suggested joint inspection by the mandated agencies to help reduce the disruption of businesses by multiple inspection and

He demanded greater involvement of the private sector in the fixing of user fees.

Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Mr. Ahmed Baba Jamal said whatever proposals made must be underpinned by the national interest and the growth of the economy.

Ghanaians have always known all the challenges confronting the nation and the solutions to these, he said, pointing out that, the difficulty was how to implement the solutions.

He said the expectation was that the various interest groups would consider the implications of what they were seeking to do on the nation’s revenue generation effort.

Mr. Joseph Zaphenat Amenowode, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprise, said the involvement of the parliamentary committees in the discussions to give the parliamentarians an insight into the bill would facilitate its smooth passage.

He said he shared the frustrations that business operators went through to get their businesses registered.

Mr. Tony Sikpa, Chairman of Association of Ghanaian Exporters, said the bill could make the country attract more investors.