The Member of Parliament for Kintampo South, Felicia Adjei, has called on the government to fast-track the passage of the Ghana Startup Act as a strategic response to youth unemployment and irregular migration.
Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 11, Mrs. Adjei highlighted the growing trend of young people from her constituency and other parts of Ghana embarking on dangerous journeys to countries like Libya in search of better opportunities. She said many of them are driven by high unemployment, economic hardship, and limited prospects at home.
“Many leave not because they want to, but because they see no better options here. We continue to lose some of our smartest and most talented youth who could help build this country,” she stated.
The MP noted that while some returnees bring back valuable skills and experiences, they are often met with systemic barriers that hinder their reintegration and entrepreneurial ambitions. According to her, existing support programs like the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and MASLOC, though helpful, remain fragmented and inadequate.
“Our system does not support them enough to start and grow successful businesses. That is why I suggest we do more to help young businesses grow and create jobs,” she stressed.
Mrs. Adjei urged Parliament and the Executive to expedite work on the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, which she said has been under consideration since 2020. The bill, she explained, would consolidate government efforts, offer legal backing to startups, improve access to funding, and provide critical business development services.
She emphasized that a comprehensive Startup Act would:
1. Simplify the process of starting a business in Ghana
2. Provide access to funding and training
3. Protect intellectual property and foster collaboration
4. Harmonize all entrepreneurship support initiatives
Citing Nigeria and Kenya as examples, Felicia Adjei said both countries have enacted similar laws to empower their youth, and Ghana must do the same to remain competitive and safeguard its future.
She called on all members of Parliament to support the bill and prioritize the aspirations of Ghana’s young entrepreneurs.
Written by: Nana Antwi Boasiako
