Renowned Ghanaian consultant, investor and Curator of the Amahoro Coalition, Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, has challenged the common perception that African governments are inaccessible and unwilling to collaborate, arguing that authorities are often receptive when approached with practical solutions rather than complaints.
Speaking on GHToday with Joshua Kodjo Mensah on GHOne TV on Friday, February 6, 2026, Isaac Kwaku Fokuo described the belief that government systems are impossible to work with as a “myth,” even though he acknowledged that bureaucratic processes can be slow by design.
According to him, his experiences across several African countries show that meaningful engagement with government institutions is possible when proposals are solution-driven. He cited examples from Ghana, where his organisation has successfully partnered with state agencies on initiatives targeting vulnerable communities.
Fokuo recalled a health outreach programme carried out with the Ghana Refugee Board in Aflao, which benefited more than 600 refugees. He also highlighted a refugee scouting football tournament organised in August at the Boteman Sports Centre, in collaboration with the Ghana Refugee Board, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Samaritan Group, a local NGO. The initiative brought together about 120 young people and explored sports as a pathway for economic opportunity.
Beyond Ghana, Fokuo noted that similar collaborative efforts had been undertaken in countries including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Somalia, reinforcing his view that governments across the continent are open to engagement when approached constructively.
“My feedback on that is that we found that government is receptive when you go to solutions,” he said, adding that authorities tend to be less responsive when engagement is limited to highlighting problems. He stressed that governments do not always have all the answers and benefit from partnerships that focus on joint problem-solving.
READ: It is time to ensure Africa’s natural resources serve its people, project their dignity – Ablakwa
Isaac Kwaku Fokuo emphasised that success often comes when individuals and organisations meet government officials who are willing to listen, ideate and work collaboratively. He described such engagements as key to achieving impact and said his work across the continent had shown that progress is possible when all parties approach development with a shared commitment to solutions.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
