Dream Big – Ken Ofori Atta

Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian prospective investors defied a rainy and inclement day and thronged the Ghana Mission/Consulate in New York City on the evening of Tuesday, April 25 to meet with a high powered Ghana government delegation to explore and exploit business opportunities in Ghana.

In a keynote address, Mr. Ken Ofori Atta, Ghana’s Minister of Finance and leader of the delegation observed that the resounding mandate given the New Patriotic Party in the December 2016 general and elections, was not necessarily an act of love for the party, but rather a call for change due to massive corruption, waste and debilitating economy, as well as lack of growth and improvement in the country. He pointed out that the web of corruption in Ghana had been woven around and engulfed every facet of society, and cited his personal experience at the ports and customs. He added that the spiral spate of corruption emboldened various ministries to act in fiscal isolation without involving the Finance Ministry.

The soft spoken, confident minister said because HIPC is in oblivion, the NPP government would have to be creative to move the economy in the right direction. To this end, government has embarked on serious fiscal consolidation to create a “breathing space” that would facilitate an enabling business-friendly environment for potential investors. He told the over 200 people in the audience that thus far, about

50,000 “ghost” or unsubstantiated names have been re- moved from the government payroll structure and the errant cedi has been arrested. He expressed optimism that quality of life is lurking around the corner for Ghanaians because of intense focus and commitment of government programs, projects, and policies being put in place. The Minister, considered among some of the wealthiest in Ghana spent about twelve years in New York City and relocated to Ghana in the early 1990s. He challenged Ghanaians living abroad to dream big and take advantage of the business climate in Ghana, saying one does not need big capital to start business in Ghana, speaking from experience.
Mr. Charles Adu Boahene and Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams Deputy Ministers of Finance and Energy respectively, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Council, Mr. Yofi Grant complemented the presentation of the substantive Minister. There was a vibrant and interactive Q & A session.