The Public Sector is Full: The Future of Jobs is in the Hands of Entrepreneurs

Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader of Parliament, delivered a compelling appeal for Ghana to prioritize its private sector as the cornerstone of job creation, entrepreneurial growth, and economic stability. Addressing the second Kwahu Business Forum, he drew on his own business experiences, emphasized the importance of removing political influences from entrepreneurship, and urged the financial sector to actively contribute to the nation’s development.

From a personal perspective, he admits that “The Businessman is Really Suffering”

Beginning his speech with stories from his early ventures in the transport industry, Afenyo-Markin shared the struggles he endured as a young entrepreneur. He spoke of grappling with high-interest bank loans, falling behind on SSNIT payments, and facing challenges linked to his political affiliations. These difficulties led to moments of profound frustration, including instances where intervention from then Vice President John Mahama was necessary to overcome politically driven obstacles that threatened his business operations.

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“I’ve walked the unpredictable road of private enterprise,” he said. “I understand what it means to raise capital, to innovate through constraints, and to stay resilient in a fragile entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Private Sector is the Future of Jobs

Afenyo-Markin was unequivocal: “The public sector is already choked, and the jobs of the future will be created in the private sector.” He emphasized that youth unemployment remains one of Ghana’s most urgent challenges and that only a thriving, empowered private sector can provide sustainable solutions.

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He called for a deliberate shift in national mindset — one that values hard work over shortcuts, merit over connections, and contribution over entitlement. Afenyo-Markin proposed the establishment of a National Orientation Program to instill these values in Ghana’s youth and reposition civic attitudes toward productivity and enterprise.

Depoliticizing Entrepreneurship

One of the key highlights of his speech was a call to depoliticize entrepreneurship in Ghana. “The success of a business should never depend on which political regime is in power,” he said, adding that political affiliations should not determine access to opportunities.

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He urged political leaders across the divide to create an enabling ecosystem where business owners can thrive without fear of being tagged or targeted. “Entrepreneurship is not just a livelihood — it is nation-building,” he stressed.

Role of the Financial Sector

Underscoring the theme of the forum, “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” Afenyo-Markin urged financial institutions to go beyond simply providing capital. He called for the development of tailored financial products for local businesses, especially youth-led SMEs, and encouraged the sector to become “true partners” in the economic transformation of Ghana.

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“We must bridge the gap between access to finance and entrepreneurial potential,” he said. “This shift will make local enterprises the backbone of our economy.”

In a powerful conclusion, Afenyo-Markin called on fellow political leaders to back words with action in supporting entrepreneurship. He lauded President John Mahama for initiating the Kwahu Business Forum and praised industry leaders like Rock City’s Brian for transforming communities through indigenous innovation and investment.

“Let us build a business ecosystem where success is driven by merit, hard work, and opportunity, not politics,” he said.

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The Kwahu Business Forum continues to be a key platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors, shaping Ghana’s economic future one conversation at a time.