Trade Ministry launches Ghana Business Regulatory Reforms Portal
Mr Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Thursday unveiled
the Ghana Business Regulatory Reforms Portal to provide information on business
related laws and regulations for prompt decision-making.
The Portal is an
electronic registry with about 5,000 business laws and regulations uploaded onto it,
which can be accessed through http://www.brr.gov.gh.
It also
contains regulatory and administrative notices, directives and procedures as well as
administrative fees, forms and charges.
It is an interactive platform to
allow policymakers easily consult businesses and individuals in a transparent,
inclusive and timely manner on policy issues geared towards achieving Government's
objective of making the nation the most business-friendly destination in
Africa.
At the official launch of the Portal in Accra, Mr Kyerematen said
businesses anywhere in the world could easily view and obtain business-related laws
and regulations being implemented in Ghana.
He said it formed part of
Government's vision of achieving a "Ghana Beyond Aid" through attracting capital
investments from the private sector for accelerated economic growth and industrial
transformation.
The event was attended by government officials, captains of
industry, heads of public and private sector institutions as well as the business
community.
The online portal was developed by the Ministry of Trade and
Industry with funding from the Department of International Development (DFID), a UK
Government Agency for administering foreign aid.
The Trade Minister said the
platform would improve transparency and inclusiveness as well as promote dialogue
and feedback between government and all its stakeholders to enhance quality service
delivery.
"It is government's agenda of making Ghana the most
business-friendly nation in Africa. Therefore, one of the most critical success
factors for enhancing private sector performance and growth is the effectiveness of
the private sector's contribution in defining and improving the policy and
regulatory environment within which they operate," Mr Kyerematen said.
He
said while the nation was weaning itself from foreign aid dependency, it was
imperative to replace that with private sector capital to promote investments, job
creation and ensure self-reliance, especially as the Covid-19 pandemic had affected
the global supply chain.
Mr Philip Smith, the DFID Country Director, in brief
remarks via Zoom, assured of the UK Government's commitment towards supporting
Ghana's trade and investment drive.
He said his Government would continue its
partnership with Ghana in various sectors including trade, manufacturing, investment
and agriculture to boost their economies, create jobs and alleviate
poverty.
There were solidarity messages from some identifiable business
associations including the Ghana Association of Industries, Ghana Chamber of
Commerce, Association of Small Scale Industries and Private Enterprises
Federation.
They lauded government's e-Registry initiative and expressed the
belief that it would help in building competitive, responsive and resilient
businesses.
