Government to aid contractors to acquire modern equipment

Kumasi, March 24, GNA Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has assured local contractors of the government's determination to assist them to acquire modern equipment for quality job delivery and enhance their competitiveness. The present situation where many of them are unable to meet contractual obligations due to poor and outmoded equipment needs to end.

He said efforts were also being made to reduce delays usually associated with payment of the contract certificates submitted by those working on various government projects. Dr Agyemang-Mensah was addressing the opening ceremony of a one-day workshop for managers and directors of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) drawn from Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Northern, Upper East and West Regions in Kumasi.

Organized by Eximguaranty Company Ghana Limited, it brought together about 100 participants to harp on the theme, 93Improving the business of SMEs through credit guarantees, the role of Eximguaranty Company (GH) Limited." Among the wide range of topics discussed were; 93Contract administration and its relevance to improving the business of SMEs", "The role of Eximguaranty Company in improving the business of SMEs", and 93Enhancing SME productivity and efficiency through corporate governance and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT)." Dr Agyemang-Mensah spoke of the need for all stakeholders in strategic sectors like the construction industry to adopt proactive measures that would enable them to meet the demands of the nation. Mrs Felicity Acquah, Managing Director of Eximguaranty, said the workshop was to create awareness among SMEs and contractor clients of the company's services and products to boost their technical and managerial competencies.

She noted that the construction industry was playing a key role in the socio-economic development of the country and urged participants to adopt best practices. They should also take advantage of opportunities provided by the company to improve their performance.