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The Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STCCI) has broken away from its umbrella body, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), following allegations of mismanagement and financial misappropriation against the latter. The STCCI said businesses in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis would have no future if it continues to associate itself with the GNCCI, hence its decision to break away. Addressing a press conference in Takoradi on Monday, the Interim Chairman of STCCI, Mr. Ato Van Ess, said GNCCI had failed in executing its mandate over the years. Enumerating responsibilities of GNCCI, he said, GNCCI has not been able to promote trade and industries in the country as expected of it but had rather been fraught with several inappropriate conducts. �The wrongs perpetuated by GNCCI leadership are very grave and serious including but not limited to financial impropriety and this has affected the realization of the goals and aspirations of STCCI and its members�, he said. �It is instructive to state that, STCCI has over the years attempted to cooperate with local and international chambers and like-minded organizations like International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and World Trade Center (WTC) to provide programmes and services to members but, such noble efforts have always been thwarted by GNCCI, with reasons that all such organizations are our competitors and also STCCI do not have the right to provide services on its own for its members. �We felt we could stay within GNCCI to help right the wrongs, but it is clear that the leadership of GNCCI are not prepared to mend their ways to act as per their mandate and constitution�, he added. He said with its new status as an autonomous entity, STCCI would work assiduously to advance the cause of its members. He maintained that businesses in the metropolis would now have the opportunity to grow and become more competitive on the global market. He, therefore, urged GNCCI to respect the decision taken by STCCI in the interest of the business community in the country.