Konogo — MEMBERS OF the Carpenters Association, in the Asante Akim North Municipality, have participated in a training programme, organized by the Business Sector Advocacy Challenge (BUSAC), under the theme "Strengthening the capacity of Business Associations," at Konongo.

The service provider, who also co-ordinated the training programme, at a four-day capacity-building workshop, Mr. Sefa Boakye, stated that the President, H. E. Mr. J. A. Kufuor, had introduced the Golden Age of Business concept, to help the growth of businesses in Ghana, and explained that the scheme had helped small scale businesses, like carpenters, mechanics, hair dressers, dressmakers, among others.

He pointed out that following the introduction of the scheme, many governmental and non-governmental organizations like DANIDA/USAID, had expressed interests in helping small scale industries in Ghana.

Mr. Sefa Boakye started further that in 2003, BUSAC made efforts to alleviate constraints in businesses, and thereby help improve on working conditions in the country.

He appealed to the Municipal Assembly to stop harassing members of the association, under the guise of decongestion, which exercise, in most cases, led to the destruction of structures.

He further appealed to the government, to encourage the establishment of small scale businesses, to create employment for the youth. Sefa-Boakye also advised the carpenters to execute quality jobs, in order to get expanded markets for their products.

The Chairman of BUSAC, Mr. Justice Effah, advised the participants to each be their brother's keeper, since unity would ensure growth.

The participants were awarded with certificates after the programme.