Marketers urged to improve competence

Ghanaian Marketers and entrepreneurs have been urged to position and prepare adequately for multinational investors, as the country is continuously viewed as a stable haven and a place to do business, Alhaji Ibrahim Awal, CEO of Chase Petroleum, has said.

“Marketers and entrepreneurs must improve business competence and be ready to take advantage of the peaceful democratic business environment and partner investors who will be in the county to commence business operation.

“This would not only promote job-creation, but would position the country as a place in the sub-region - attracting huge investment due to superior business delivery,” he stated.

Awal, the 2009 Marketing Man of the Year, said this to business executives, marketing professionals, government officials and entrepreneurs in Accra at the launch of the 22nd Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) 2010 Awards, slated for July 23, 2011.

Making a presentation under the topic ‘Entrepreneurial Marketing-Tool for Repositioning’, he said: “In today’s competitive environment, those who are entrepreneurs understand the marketing concepts which companies have used over the years to sell their products and services.

“A successful entrepreneur understands and appreciates the blend of products, place, promotion and product strategies that will produce a satisfying exchange with the target market.”

Mrs. Josepine Okutu, National President of CIMG, explained that the awards over the years have contributed significantly in promoting sound human and corporate marketing performance - apart from the euphoria that the event has generated.

She stated that the CIMG awards is an event that corporate Ghana has been looking forward to on yearly basis because it serves as one of the critical benchmarks by which these groups measure their performances.

“It is this expectation from stakeholders that has been the catalyst spurring us on to come out with themes and criteria that are relevant and beneficial to corporate Ghana.

“The theme for the awards has been carefully chosen to acknowledge local industry consisting of indigenous people, who are contributing significantly to the growth of the country’s economy.”

Shola Safo-Duodu, Head, Corporate Affairs Barclays Bank Ghana, and Chairperson of the 2010 Awards Planning Committee, indicated that the ceremony will seek to encourage and empower local businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and compete globally.

The awards to cover 31 categories will include four personality awards, three Hall of Fame awards, seven media awards, one not-for-profit organisation award, 14 business awards and two product awards.

The awards selection bodies will be working closely with the governing council of CIMG, Association of Ghana Industries, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Tourism and reputable research organisations.