Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed concern over the growing politicisation of Ghana’s business environment, warning that it is eroding investor confidence and threatening sustainable economic development.
Speaking at the 2025 Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso on April 19, Mr. Afenyo-Markin noted that the increasing influence of political considerations in the allocation of state contracts and business opportunities is undermining meritocracy and distorting fair competition.
“The biggest problem we have as a country is our political interference in everything. And it’s killing initiative,” he told a gathering of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders.
According to the Effutu MP, this trend discourages genuine innovation and hard work, particularly among young Ghanaians who seek to succeed through competence rather than political affiliation.
“When everything is politicised—from cocoa purchasing to road contracts and even small loans—you push away people who just want to work hard and succeed,” he stated.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin urged political leaders and public institutions to promote transparency and impartiality in economic affairs. He emphasized that Ghana’s private sector can only thrive when success is determined by ability and integrity, not political ties.
“We need to get to a point where your political background doesn’t determine your success in business. That’s the only way we can truly grow as a nation,” he added.
He also advised the youth to refrain from relying on political favouritism as a pathway to success, cautioning that such practices foster inequality and public discontent.
The Kwahu Business Forum, which started as a campaign initiative, has evolved into a key annual platform that brings together stakeholders across political and economic sectors to discuss practical strategies for national development.
