The former Dean of the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Justice N. Bawole, has urged government regulatory agencies to simplify their processes, centralise and harmonise their operations, to support the growth of small businesses and young entrepreneurs, particularly in the agri-food and nutrition sectors.
He also stressed the need for policymakers to prioritise such reforms to support startup growth and ensure that products meet quality and safety standards, thereby making local businesses more competitive in both domestic and international markets.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement organised by the university’s Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-food Collaborative (NKABOM) in Accra on August 30, Prof. Bawole, who also serves as the Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Pillar of NKABOM, noted that bureaucratic hurdles, high costs, and limited access to information continue to stifle the growth of young businesses in the country.
“While churches, universities, and institutions continue to encourage young people to start businesses, many struggle to keep their ventures afloat due to the country’s complex and fragmented regulatory systems,” he added.
The Nkabom project focuses on developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students, enabling them to create businesses across the agri-food value chain.
It was also supported by McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation.
It was held on the theme: “Policy in Practice: UG Nkabom Southern Belt Stakeholder Dialogue on Agrifood Regulation and Youth Enterprises”.
It brought together stakeholders from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) to deliberate on the regulatory challenges faced by young people attempting to formalise their agri-food businesses.
Collaboration
Prof. Bawole observed that many young entrepreneurs failed to fully grasp what constitutes a business and the responsibilities it entails, often focusing only on the initial stages of launching their ventures while overlooking operational and regulatory demands.
He called for stronger collaboration between regulatory agencies, universities, and entrepreneurs to develop startup-friendly processes that foster communication, build trust, and support growth.
He said startups often dealt with multiple agencies, including the Ghana Standards Authority, the Food and Drugs Authority, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, sometimes for similar approvals, leading to duplication of processes and added costs.
He added that information on regulatory requirements was often fragmented and poorly communicated, leaving many entrepreneurs unaware of the correct procedures.
The situation, Prof. Bawole added, was worsened by occasional inefficiencies and corruption risks, where some businesses were pressured to “appreciate” officers to have their paperwork processed faster.
He reaffirmed the university's commitment to creating startup-friendly regulatory agencies that support young entrepreneurs in growing their businesses without the frustrations they currently face.
“Our universities are nurturing innovation, but the current regulatory setup is chaotic and discouraging.
By simplifying processes and improving communication, we can help young businesses comply with the law, ensure public safety, and grow sustainably,” he said.
“By bringing regulatory agencies and startups together, we can ensure that students understand the challenges while agencies become aware of the practical difficulties young businesses face,” he added.
Formalise
The Director, Inspection and Compliance at the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), Sandra Korkor Quarcoo, urged young entrepreneurs to register their businesses early to ensure legitimacy and access to financial and contractual opportunities.
She said ORC provide guidance on all registration requirements, which could also be accessed online for planning purposes.
She also warned against middlemen who charge for registration services, emphasising that official registration could be done directly through the ORC office or online portal.
The Chief Scientific Officer at the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Rachel Amanfu, said that youth entrepreneurs who presented a certificate from the Ghana Enterprise Agency benefited from waived fees, reducing the financial burden of certification.
“Youth startups do not pay the same fees as larger companies.
This is part of our effort to encourage and support young businesses,” she added.
The acting General Manager of Operations, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Kofi Senyah, reaffirmed its commitment to protect workers and provide income security across the country, with a particular focus on supporting startups and youth entrepreneurs.
