The Second Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament for Weija Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has outlined a series of policy proposals aimed at strengthening Ghanaian businesses and improving the country’s economic environment.

Delivering a speech on behalf of Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin at the Kwahu Business Forum 2026, Mr. Shaib emphasised the need for deliberate and sustained efforts to support indigenous enterprises.

The forum, held under the theme “Leaders Committing to Sustenance of Ghanaian Businesses,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for economic growth and private sector development.

Mr. Shaib stressed the importance of depoliticising entrepreneurship, warning that partisan influences in business operations create an uneven playing field and discourage innovation.

He noted that Ghana’s economic future depends heavily on the strength and resilience of local enterprises.

Drawing from engagements with key industry groups, including the Ghana Union of Traders Association and the Association of Ghana Industries, he highlighted major challenges facing businesses, such as limited access to affordable credit, high utility costs, and an increasing tax burden.

According to him, many Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are unable to survive beyond their early years due to structural barriers within the financial system, including stringent collateral requirements and short loan tenures that do not align with business investment cycles.

He also raised concerns about the implementation of AI-driven customs assessment systems at the ports, noting that some businesses have faced significantly higher duty charges without adequate explanation or a clear appeals process.

To address these challenges, Mr. Shaib announced a set of commitments by the Minority Caucus aimed at improving the business climate.

These include pushing for a statutory framework to ensure pre-legislative consultation with stakeholders before major economic policies are introduced, and advocating for a comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact of taxes and levies on businesses.

Other proposed measures include enhanced parliamentary oversight of customs systems, an independent review of utility tariffs to ensure transparency and predictability, and increased investment in technical and vocational education aligned with industry needs.

He further revealed plans to establish structured quarterly engagements between Parliament and organised business associations to ensure that concerns from the private sector are consistently addressed in policymaking.

Mr. Shaib also called for targeted reforms in SME financing, including longer-term credit facilities and a review of collateral requirements to improve access to funding for local businesses.

He urged the financial sector to play a more proactive role in supporting indigenous enterprises through tailored financial products that reflect the realities of Ghanaian businesses.

Concluding his address, Mr. Shaib called on entrepreneurs to take advantage of available opportunities and invest boldly, while assuring stakeholders that the Minority Caucus remains committed to advocating policies that promote stability, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.