Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has unveiled his vision to build a stronger private sector and create sustainable jobs for Ghanaians if elected President.
Speaking in an interview with a local radio station in the Upper East Region, the outspoken businessman and legislator emphasized that his leadership would focus on fostering strategic partnerships between Ghanaian entrepreneurs and international investors to drive industrial growth and economic transformation.
Mr. Agyapong explained that such collaborations would help Ghanaian industries meet global production and quality standards, giving them access to lucrative export markets in Europe and the United States. He also highlighted the need to empower Ghanaians to learn, innovate, and eventually lead their own enterprises.
Kennedy Agyapong appealed to NPP delegates to entrust him with the party’s leadership ahead of the 2028 elections, pledging a practical, business-oriented approach to governance that prioritizes job creation and economic inclusivity.
“I have so many businesses. It’s those who come and speak big, big English who have no idea how to create businesses. They come with promises, but they never deliver. At least, I employ over 7,000 workers across my various companies. So if I, as a businessman, tell you what I can do as President, believe me. I’m not the one who will personally run the businesses, I already have investors lined up. My plan is to partner these investors with Ghanaian entrepreneurs.” He stated.
According to him, they will adopt the Asian model and empower Ghanaian businesses to collaborate with investors. He also emphasized that he’s keen on investors because there’s one key question people often fail to ask, which is, “how do you gain access to the European or American market?” as the answer is simple; “by partnering with those who are already established in those markets.”
He reiterated that the European market have the standards, systems, and networks, and partnering them means “whatever we produce here automatically meets international standards and gains acceptance abroad.”
He further added that “beyond partnerships, we must empower Ghanaians to own and grow their own businesses. We can learn from our partners, adopt their standards, and build our own strong local enterprises. So, when Kennedy Agyapong tells you he will encourage Ghanaians to build businesses and find partners who can open access to international markets, believe him. I’ve done it, and I continue to do it.”
Ken Agyapong concluded, “Take my ethanol plant project at Adidome in the Volta Region, for example. Research shows that maize production here is more expensive than in Brazil or India — about $250 per ton compared to $150 there. If we want to compete globally, we must go large-scale and mechanized. Until we do that, we can’t match Brazil or India.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
