She takes over from Mr James Z. Tiigah, who led the organisation under the previous administration.

The former Member of Parliament for Lower West Akyem takes over the organisation which is expected to play a critical role in the industrialisation agenda of the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.

Ms Klenam brings with her a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and exporter of over 20 years and eight years as a member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism.

Background

According to a statement from the GEPA, the former MP is a product of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), with specialisation in management.

She is also a former CEO of Sunharvest Company Limited in Accra.  

The President has also appointed two young executives, Messrs Eric Amoako Twum and Akilu Sayibu, to assist Ms Klenam as deputy CEOs.

Interview

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Ms Gifty said he would lead the team at the authority to build on what had been achieved, harnessing the potential of staff and markets to increase proceeds from non-traditional exports (NTEs).

She said the GEPA had great potential but had been neglected for a long while, a situation she was determined to turn around, working closely with her two deputies as well as directors and staff of the authority, who were highly skilled with enormous knowledge and experience in the non-traditional export sector.  

Ms Klenam has already started a restructuring exercise at the GEPA which management and staff are responding positvely to.