Protecting local businesses: Pillar for economic growth (2)

And it means changing the narrative that local businesses are somehow less capable or less trustworthy than their foreign counterparts.

We must also recognise the immense potential for local businesses to lead the charge in innovation.

Ghanaian entrepreneurs are already finding ways to solve local problems with local solutions, whether through technology, agriculture or service delivery.

By supporting these innovators, we can create a more resilient, self-sufficient economy that does not rely on foreign investment as its primary growth driver.

Call to action

As Ghanaians, we must take a hard look at how we treat our local businesses. We must ask ourselves why we are more willing to trust foreign businesses with our future than we are to trust our own.

We must recognise that the long-term stability of our economy depends on the success of local entrepreneurs, who will be here to weather the storms long after foreign businesses have moved on.

The government, civil society and the general public all have a role to play in supporting local businesses.

We must advocate policies that level the playing field, provide easier access to capital and reduce the bureaucratic obstacles that local entrepreneurs face.

We must shift public perception to celebrate the achievements of local businesses and view their success as a national asset.

And most importantly, we must trust in the capabilities of our own people to drive the future of our economy.

Local businesses are not just important; they are essential to the growth and prosperity of Ghana. When local businesses succeed, they create opportunities for all of us.

They are the ones who will be here for the long haul, investing in our communities and building the future we all want to see.

Let us give them the support they need to thrive because when they do, Ghana will thrive too.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its weakest members.”

Let us stand by our entrepreneurs, recognising their potential to shape our future and drive our nation forward.

The writer is a media & political communication analyst/currently lecturer, University of Media, Arts & Communication.