During the Ishmael Yamson & Associates Business Roundtable 2022, Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the CEO of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), highlighted the indispensable role of government in fostering a transformative economy. In her address, she underscored the necessity for government intervention in creating an inclusive environment that supports both the youth and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh explained that the transformation of the GEA has been pivotal in this endeavor. “To build a transformative economy, the government must formulate, design, and implement interventions that are inclusive,” she stated. Under her leadership, the GEA has been revamped and equipped to offer top-tier enterprise support throughout Ghana. This support is facilitated through a network of 209 Business Advisory Centres spread across the nation, alongside Business Resource Centres which serve as one-stop shops for enterprise needs.
While emphasizing the government’s role, Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh also acknowledged the vital partnership with the private sector. “The government cannot get out of the way of the job creation process. Instead, the government works hand-in-hand with the private sector, the youth, and businesses to build a transformative economy,” she remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort required for economic advancement.
She went on to detail some of the active interventions by GEA aimed at supporting the youth, particularly in key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. Among these initiatives are the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP), designed to boost economic growth through enhanced productivity and competitiveness; YouStart, a program to empower young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to start and grow their businesses; and The Jobs & Skills Project, which focuses on creating job opportunities and enhancing skill sets relevant to today’s market demands.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh’s speech at the roundtable not only reiterated the GEA’s commitment to supporting economic transformation but also served as a call to action for continued collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and the youth. Her vision aligns with broader national goals of economic resilience, innovation, and sustainable development, setting a precedent for how public sector leadership can catalyze growth across various sectors of the economy.
