Accra: The newly constituted Board of the GRATIS Foundation has held its maiden meeting, putting in place bold measures for national industrial transformation and reaffirming commitment to position GRATIS in the industry. This follows the inauguration of the board by Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI).
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting marks a significant milestone in the renewed effort to reposition GRATIS as a leading force in Ghana’s industrialisation and skills development agenda. Nana Kwaku Duah II, the Board Chairman, in his opening remarks, commended the new management of GRATIS, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Isaac Adaebsah, and his deputy for the substantial progress made in strengthening the organisation’s operations since their assumption of office.
Dr. Adaebsah, on his part, presented a comprehensive report highlighting achievements to date, which included successfully engaging with key stakeholders, including the presidency, resulting in GRATIS being invited to support the government’s flagship 24-hour economy initiative and other projects. He mentioned that the company has also delivered high-value projects and partnerships, such as collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the private sector, to promote local equipment fabrication.
The CEO again indicated that his outfit has increased national visibility through media engagements, which have positioned GRATIS as a critical player in agro-processing and industrial development, adding that they have also carried out capacity assessments across all 39 regional and district centres. According to him, they have also centralised GRATIS’ financial and administrative systems to ensure efficiency and accountability.
The Board, during the meeting, unanimously endorsed management’s reform agenda and urged the CEO to prioritise strengthening financial management systems, accelerating the centralisation of operations and developing a clear roadmap to leverage GRATIS’s unique mandate for industrial and technical skills development. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to provide strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring that GRATIS delivers effectively on the government’s vision of building a robust manufacturing sector, creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth.
GRATIS Foundation is a government agency under the Trade, Agribusiness and Industry established to promote industrialisation through the design, development and transfer of appropriate technologies, skills training and technical support to small and medium-scale enterprises across Ghana. The company, with its 39 centres nationwide, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting agro-processing, industrial machinery production and skills development.
Those present at the meeting were board chairman Nana Kwaku Duah II, Nana Akosua Annobea II, Madam Patience Darkowaa, Dr Isaac Adaebsah, Mr Ernest Ameyaw, Mr Barnabas Ninfom Tanaab, Ms Lucy Kpor, and Nana Kwabena Adjei-Anomafo.