The leadership of the Association of Small-Scale Industries write to commend the president of the Republic of Ghana (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) and his technical team for swiftly announcing measures to curtail the spread of the Virus since the news of the first cases of the pandemic was reported in Ghana on 12 March 2020.
Undoubtedly, the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic will negatively impact the economy and erode some gains that have been achieved thus far by the Government. Bloomberg estimates that in a pandemic situation such as this, Covid-19 could cost the world economy $2.7 trillion.
Considering the fact that the Ghanaian economy is dominated by MSMEs, the COVID – 19 Virus has had a great effect on the livelihoods of many of our members who have halted their business operations as a result of the lockdown by the Government. We have received numerous calls from our members indicating how their gains made over the period are fast eroding. This calls for urgent implementation of rescue interventions to salvage their businesses as soon as possible so as to prevent a possible spike in the unemployment levels.
It is therefore refreshing news to note that the government has introduced numerous support packages to mitigate the impact of the Virus on MSMEs.With these interventions, weexpect that Ghana will soon experience series of positive impacts on various sectors of our economy so as to ensure it regains the enviable economic standing.
Following from this, we wish to appeal to the government through Ministry of Trade and Industry and the National Board for Small Scale Industries to work closely with the Association of Small-Scale Industries and other key business associations such as the Private Enterprise Federation, Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Association of Ghanaian Industries, Ghana Union Traders Association, Ghana National Association of Poultry Farmers and many other National associations to ensure the maximization of benefits to our MSMEs.
Announcing stimulus packages for the enhancement of sectoral production of pharmaceutical, agriculture, textile, printing, fabrication and agro-processed goods and other sectors is a step in the right direction.
We strongly believe that the strict adherence to the numerous safety protocols put in place by the Government and the collective prayer of the people of Ghana will result in the eradication of the Virus.
I edge all our members to stay home and practice all the precautionary measure put in place.
We Allah on our side, we shall overcome.
Long live our homeland Ghana!!
Signed
Saeed Moomen, President – ASSI