By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. John Kumah, has stressed the critical role entrepreneurs play in the socio-economic development of the country.
Dr. Kumah said entrepreneurs have demonstrated over the years, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, that they are the true lifeline of the economy.
Dr. John Kumah, who said this in Accra at the media launch of the maiden Wealth and Jobs (W&J) Expo Ghana, further highlighted the significant contributions of entrepreneurs to job creation, innovation and national development.
Despite their contributions, the minister admitted that entrepreneurs continue to face numerous challenges, especially in the current economic climate.
“To our entrepreneurs, I commend your courage, creativity and resilience. You are the lifeline of our economy – the engine of innovation driving us forward in the face of challenges and paving the way for others to follow.
“In the medium term, the government aims to intensify efforts to attract more domestic investments and foreign direct investments (FDI) in strategic sectors, with emphasis on creating jobs anchored on the government’s growth strategy. The strategy is projected to contribute to the creation of approximately 500,000 jobs,” he said.
Themed ‘The Power of Starting Small’, the W&J Expo is a private sector-led initiative in partnership with state agencies such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) and ministries, including the Finance, Trade & Industry, and Tourism, Arts & Culture. It is designed to resource entrepreneurs invoke the spirit of wealth creation and the development of sustainable jobs for the youth.
Coordinator for the W&J Expo, Arnold Asafu-Adjaye, explained that the event is about making sure that opportunities are created for entrepreneurs to succeed.
“So many people have ideas at their fingertips right here, but how do they turn those ideas into reality? As difficult as it sounds, it’s achievable. You need money, you need resources, you need administrative support, legal, so forth and so on. So, those are the sort of things that the Wealth and Jobs Expo seeks to provide,” he said.
The event was chaired by Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Special Ice and in attendance were, the Registrar-General, Jemima Oware; CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Michael Oquaye Jnr; actor and entrepreneur, John Dumelo; CEO of Sarps Logistics, Maame Akua Poku Sarpong; and spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu.
The Chairperson, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, encouraged all stakeholders, including financial institutions, educational institutions and local communities, to join hands in supporting and empowering entrepreneurs during the main expo in May 2024.
“The development and growth of local businesses not only ensure a robust and sustainable local economy, but also contributes to overall prosperity and well-being,” he emphasised.
