UK-Ghana Chamber pushes for policy reforms to ignite innovation
The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) has issued a rallying call for urgent policy reforms to unlock Ghana’s innovation and entrepreneurship potential, following the conclusion of its flagship Grand Challenge Programme workshops held at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.
Bringing together innovators, academics and industry experts from the agriculture and energy sectors, the workshop aimed to explore cutting-edge technological, financial and social solutions to some of Ghana’s most pressing development challenges.
On the theme: “Policy as an Enabler for Creating an Innovation-Friendly Environment,” discussions centred on how policy could act as a catalyst for enterprise growth, particularly among the youth.
The workshop featured masterclasses on Intellectual Property, Investor Readiness and Commercialisation led by experts including Nuna Attipoe of Koranteng and Koranteng, Kingsley Agyekum of Fidelity Bank, and Mawuli Ocloo of SalesRev. A live pitch session saw over 15 budding entrepreneurs receive critical feedback from seasoned professionals, sharpening their business models and investor appeal.
Among the experts and facilitators were Mawuli Kobla Amedofu, Supply Chain Lead at DEXT Technologies; Prof. Joseph Oppong Akowuah from the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering; and Dr Makafui John Bedzra, Innovation Manager at the KNUST College of Engineering.
Entrepreneurial spirit
Franklin Eshun of the Ghana TVET Service cautioned that a lack of urgency among young people could hinder innovation. “If you’re not under pressure to solve problems, there’s little motivation to innovate,” he said. “Here, basic needs are often readily met, so there’s no burning hunger to create solutions.”
Echoing that sentiment, Dr Gifty Boakye Appiah of KNUST’s Department of Agricultural Economics challenged young innovators to adopt a mindset shift. “The idea starts with you,” she told participants, encouraging them to engage hubs and accelerators for guidance, funding and business development support. “Even if they don’t offer direct funding, they can direct you to organisations that do.”
Institutional support
The event also highlighted existing government-led initiatives geared towards start-up development. Notably, the Food and Drugs Authority’s Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS), a three-tier licensing framework, is helping small businesses improve product safety while easing regulatory compliance.
In parallel, the HAPPY Project—a collaboration between the Ghana Enterprises Foundation, Mastercard Foundation, and Agri-Impact Co. Ltd—aims to support 15,000 youth-led agribusinesses in value chains such as rice, soybean, tomato and poultry. The focus is on scaling post-production operations and enhancing livelihoods in key agricultural regions.
In her opening remarks, UKGCC’s Head of External Relations, Worlase Afatsiawo, emphasised the Grand Challenge’s mission: to stimulate innovation that solves real problems and to foster synergy among entrepreneurs, researchers, government and the private sector.
Shortlisted applicants from the workshops in Accra and Kumasi will be invited to pitch for participation in a high-profile UK roadshow—offering international exposure and a gateway to investment.
“Beyond the mentorship received, we want to provide tangible funding and scaling opportunities. Our aim is to develop a sustainable pipeline of investable, commercially viable projects,” Ms Afatsiawo said.
UKGCC’s Grand Challenge is a flagship programme under the UK Government-funded Sankore Programme, part of the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), which seeks to fortify innovation ecosystems across West Africa.
A nationwide call for proposals is expected to be launched in the coming weeks via the UKGCC’s social media platforms.