Diana Afriyie Addo, Head of the Trade and Investment Section at the Ghana High Commission in the UK and former Director of the Ghana Business Regulatory Reforms Programme (GBRRP), has announced an ambitious nationwide publicity campaign aimed at elevating the visibility of the GBRRP’s services among Ghana’s business community. In a recent webinar hosted by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and WTS Nobisfields, Madam Addo detailed that the GBRRP has already made strides in this campaign by initiating the first phase through social media platforms. With plans to formally launch the broader awareness campaign next year, the objective is to educate both the public and businesses on how to access the Business Regulatory Reforms Portal and utilize its offerings effectively.
Established in 2017, the GBRRP represents a critical aspect of Ghana’s Economic and Industrial Transformation Agenda, with the intent of enhancing the quality, transparency, and predictability of the country’s regulatory services. According to program advocates, the GBRRP aims to position Ghana as the most conducive environment for business in Africa. Central to this mission is the simplification of existing business regulations while implementing new regulations that are well-defined for maximum efficiency. The initiative seeks not only to foster a friendly business climate but also to streamline processes that can otherwise hinder entrepreneurship and investment in the country.
The GBRRP is composed of seven essential components designed to tackle various challenges within Ghana’s regulatory landscape. Key among these is the Targeted Business Environment Reforms Initiative, which is overseen by ten Technical Working Groups (TWGs). These TWGs are focused on enhancing the overall business regulatory environment. Additional components include the Online Registry of Business Laws & Regulations, an Online Consultations Portal, a Regulatory Impact Assessment framework, a Rolling Review of Business Regulations, and specific relief initiatives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the establishment of a Permanent Public-Private Dialogue Mechanism ensures regular discussions between the government and the business sector to address ongoing regulatory challenges.
Within this framework, the Business Consultation Portal stands out as a landmark achievement of the GBRRP. This platform not only facilitates public engagement during the policy-making process but also provides users access to recently introduced bills and regulations. Kwaku Nsiah Mensuoh, an IT consultant with the GBRRP, emphasized that the portal was developed to enhance public consultations and increase participation from diverse stakeholders. As the platform evolves, it has enabled the GBRRP to gather public feedback efficiently and supply it to relevant authorities, thus facilitating a more responsive policy-making environment. Additionally, a mobile application version of the portal has been made available for both Android and iOS users, with plans for an offline version to further improve user access.
Further reforms made under the GBRRP umbrella include the creation of a Fire Permit & Certification Management System tailored for the Ghana National Fire Service. This electronic initiative allows businesses and individuals to apply for fire permits conveniently online and is set to roll out nationwide by October 10, 2024. Other significant reforms involve digitizing land transactions in collaboration with the Lands Commission and enhancing power distribution processes for businesses via IT upgrades within the Electricity Company of Ghana. These advancements are indicative of the program’s commitment to fostering a more efficient and user-friendly regulatory environment for both existing enterprises and prospective investors.
During the webinar, a panel discussion moderated by Theophilus Tawiah, Managing Partner of WTS Nobisfields, highlighted the positive impacts of the GBRRP initiatives, particularly the effectiveness of the Business Consultation Portal. The panelists underscored the necessity for escalated publicity efforts and greater accessibility for foreign investors seeking to navigate Ghana’s regulatory landscape. In follow-up discussions, Madam Addo reaffirmed that the GBRRP is dedicated to conducting demonstrations and training for institutions, business associations, and international partners to ensure effective use of the portal. By actively engaging with these stakeholders, the GBRRP is taking significant steps toward nurturing a robust, investor-friendly atmosphere in Ghana, with a strategic focus on continuous improvement and collaborative efforts across the business ecosystem.
