Enhancing the environment for private sector business through private-public dialogue

Synopsis

Business advocacy is relatively new concept in Ghana. Currently a number of civil society and other organizations undertake advocacy actions on issues that are not related directly to business. These advocacy actions take the form of having these groups and organizations call attention to lapses and shortcomings of certain regulations which affect a section of the society, such as; children, adolescent girls, women, old people, etc. No further activities are undertaken beyond press conferences, public fora, demonstrations and the presentation of petitions to relevant authorities.

On the business front, a number of associations and individuals call attention to laws and regulations which impede efficient business practices. Such regulations, which are enacted by the public sector-national, regional, district authorities as well as other regulatory bodies add to the cost of doing business and therefore limit the profitability of businesses. However, not much is done as follow up to get the relevant authorities to change or amend such regulations.

The need for public sector to understand the real needs of the private sector and work to create regulations and conditions which promote private sector growth and competitiveness cannot be overemphasized. Private sector advocacy is about conscious efforts made to convince the right authorities to change conditions or regulations which impede business growth and profitability. Improving the enabling environment can lead to a more vibrant private sector and ultimately to greater poverty reduction.

The study group will explore the concept of advocacy and private sector advocacy in particular. Specifically the study group will examine:

• The business environment in Ghana;
• Private sector advocacy;
• Effective public-sector dialogue;
• Steps in effective advocacy;
• Advocacy techniques and tools;
• Strengthening institutional competence for advocacy.

Resource Persons:

Dr. Dale Rachmeler, BUSAC Fund Manager
Ms. Laurencia Tettey, BUSAC Fund Applications/Grants Manager
Mr. Kofi Asante-Frimpong, BUSAC Fund Capacity Building & Training Specialist
Mr. Zakaria Umar Sumaila, BUSAC Fund Implementation Manager