Osahen Speaks At Kwahu Biz Forum: Ghana’s Future Can’t Be Built On Partisan Loyalty

Osahen Afenyo-Markin Addresses the Forum

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, spoke at the Kwahu Business Forum. He emphasized that Ghana’s future should be built on merit, not partisan loyalty. Opportunities should be given to those who deserve them, regardless of political affiliation.

At the forum, themed “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” he proposed a National Orientation Programme. This program would focus on values like meritocracy, discipline, civic responsibility, and entrepreneurship. He believes this is essential for reshaping Ghanaian mindsets towards sustainable growth.

Afenyo-Markin suggested that the program should target youth. Young people are often manipulated during elections but neglected afterward. “They must not be supported only when they wear our party colours,” he stated. Support should come when they show potential and creativity.

He also highlighted politicians' responsibility to eliminate political interference in entrepreneurship. “We have a duty to depoliticise entrepreneurship,” he said. This will create an environment where businesses can thrive without fear of being targeted.

Afenyo-Markin stressed that economic growth depends on a successful private sector. He warned that politicizing businesses creates an unfair environment. Merit and creativity are often overlooked in favor of political ties.

“When we politicize local enterprise, we stifle innovation,” he explained. Foreign businesses then dominate markets while local enterprises struggle unfairly. He urged leaders to stop frustrating local entrepreneurs based on political ideology.

Turning to the financial sector, Afenyo-Markin noted challenges faced by local businesses in accessing credit. He called on banks to better support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those led by young people.

“The financial sector's role in growing indigenous businesses is crucial,” he said. Financial institutions must provide capital and create opportunities for growth.

He advocated for innovative financial products tailored to Ghanaian entrepreneurs’ needs. This would help transform the private sector into a job creation engine and stimulate economic development.

Afenyo-Markin praised President John Dramani Mahama for starting the Kwahu Business Forum. He described it as vital for dialogue and action toward economic improvement.

“This initiative promotes dialogue and translates conversations into actions,” he noted.

In closing, Afenyo-Markin encouraged entrepreneurs present at the forum to seize opportunities boldly. “Invest in your dreams; they are our collective future.” He urged everyone to build a business ecosystem driven by merit and hard work rather than politics.