The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has called for a renewed African economic awakening, built on self-determination, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
He made this call at the 2025 edition of the Business Safari held on Friday, in Accra, on the theme “Africa First.”
He emphasized that “Africa First” is not an inward-looking philosophy but a progressive agenda that prioritizes African capabilities and African-led solutions adding that “Africa’s destiny would be shaped here by Africans, through our ideas, enterprise and collective determination.”
He highlighted that the government continues to invest heavily in skills development, TVET expansion, enterprise support and systems that ensure sustainable job creation and that Ghana’s economic strategy is anchored on making the nation self-reliant, productive, globally competitive yet distinctly African in its economic identity.
Dr. Pelpuo reaffirmed that the government views decent, dignified jobs as the true measure of national development, not just GDP growth figures noting that Africa is home to the world’s youngest and most dynamic population.
He stated that the government is implementing reforms to make Ghana a hub for innovation, investment, and enterprise growth, including measures to simplify business processes, improve access to finance, and promote digital transformation.
He said, this aligns with the broader regional agenda under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which calls for strengthened intra-African trade, value addition and the promotion of local content.
He applauded the Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber and the Ghana–India Trade Advisory Chamber who are the organizers for creating a unique platform where policymakers and private sector leaders can exchange ideas.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
