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 a 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 2nd Kwahu Business Forum, 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 the Ghanaian mindset for sustainable growth.

Afenyo-Markin suggested targeting youth with this orientation programme. Young people are often manipulated during elections but neglected afterward. “They must not be supported only when they wear our party colours,” he said.

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

He warned that politicising businesses creates an unfair environment. Merit and creativity are often overlooked in favor of political ties. “When we politicise local enterprise, we stifle innovation,” he explained.

Afenyo-Markin urged leaders to stop frustrating local entrepreneurs based on ideology. He lamented the challenges local businesses face in accessing credit from banks. He called for financial institutions to better support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“The role of the financial sector is crucial for indigenous business growth,” he noted. Financial institutions should provide capital and create opportunities for these businesses to grow.

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 towards economic improvement.

“To entrepreneurs here today, I urge you to seize opportunities,” he concluded. “Invest boldly in your dreams; they are our collective future.”