By Iddi Yire
Accra, Sept 12, GNA – Nana Dr E. Adu-Sarkodee Afriyie, the Executive Chairman of the CDH Group, has been elected the President of the Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA).
His election took place at the 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GEA in Accra, on the theme “Prospects for Business Confidence and Stability in Ghana”.
Other Principal Officers of the Association, who were elected by the GEA Council at the 64th AGM include Mr Michael Bozumbil, First Vice President; Mrs Victoria Hajar, Second Vice President and Mr Benjamin Appiah-Manu, Treasurer.
The new Principal Officers would steer the affairs of the GEA for the next two years.
In his inaugural address, Nana Dr Afriyie urged an unyielding commitment to promoting a culture of industrial peace and constructive engagement with all stakeholders, striving for solutions that benefit the social partners.
He reiterated that harmonious industrial relations were key to invest attraction, employment creation, and overall national development.
He expressed gratitude to the GEA Council for the confidence reposed in him and his team, and assured Council of their commitment to making GEA great.
“I would also like to use this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Committee and Council, again, for working tirelessly over the years to ensure that the Association grows from strength to strength.
“I must emphasise that you continue to provide the strong backbone required by GEA to serve the employer’s community in Ghana. Profound thanks also go to all members of the Association whose steadfast support has been phenomenal in ensuring the sustainability of GEA,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to their development partners, particularly the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Ghana and Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, for their continued support in augmenting the Association’s efforts to deliver satisfactory services to members and deepen social dialogue in their enterprises and at the national level.
Nana Dr Afriyie paid a tribute to his predecessor, Mr Dan Acheampong, who voluntarily exited GEA as its President on 21st March, 2024, having retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Volta Aluminum Company Limited (VALCO), for his visionary leadership and contributions towards the development of the GEA.
“It suffices to add that Mr Acheampong has been a key pillar of the Association, cumulatively serving GEA for 35 years, seven of which he served as President,” he stated.
“I call upon you to join me in wishing Mr Acheampong the very best in his future endeavours, and we hope that his doors will remain open to enable the Association to continue tapping into his wealth of knowledge, experience and pragmatic ideas for sustainability of GEA and the progress of employers in Ghana.”
Mr Chris Wulff-Caesar, Managing Director of Unilever Ghana PLC, who delivered the keynote address, advised all businesses to focus on providing excellent customer service to retain existing customers and attract new ones.
This, he said, might mean investing in training for staff, improving response times or offering incentives for repeat business.
Mr Ignatius Baffour Awuah, the Minister of Employment, Labour Relations, and Pensions, in a speech read on his behalf said fostering a conducive business and industrial relationship environment was crucial and central to the Government’s economic transformation agenda.
He noted that as a result, the Government this year committed itself to the implementation of reforms to attract domestic and foreign investment, to promote entrepreneurship and to stimulate job creation.
On the December 7 general election, the Minister urged employers to appeal to their workers to preserve the peace of the nation, before, during and after the elections.
Mr Alex Frimpong, the Chief Executive Officer of the GEA, in his welcome remarks noted that confidence in the economy was a key driver of business expansion, job creation and sustainable growth.
He underscored that it was their duty to engage the Government, advocate the right reforms and work with stakeholders to strengthen the business climate in Ghana.
GNA