The election, held at Effia in the Western Region, saw Emmanuel Hansford Aidam elected as Chairman, with Samuel Kofi Arko as Vice Chairman.Other elected executives are Seth Armoo, Secretary; Rita Gyekye, Assistant Secretary; Frank Tetteh, Treasurer; Robert Essilfie, Organiser; and Doris Asempah, Financial Secretary.

The Western Regional Chairman of ASSI, Patrick Ocloo, subsequently swore the new executives into office and urged them to promote unity and good relations among members.

He encouraged the executives to lead with diligence, commitment and integrity while working towards the growth and shared prosperity of members of the Association.

Mr Aidam, speaking on behalf of the newly elected executives, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to put the interests of members at the centre of their decisions.

He described their election as a new beginning for ASSI in the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality and said the new leadership would focus on strengthening the Association and improving opportunities for its members.

He said the executives would pursue training and development programmes, build partnerships for business growth and advocate policies that support small-scale industries.

The new leadership also intends to promote improved access to markets and financing to enable small-scale businesses to expand and contribute more significantly to economic development.