Businessman Seidu Agongo has urged the Ghanaian government to take a deliberate approach in empowering local businesspeople, stressing that economic growth depends on strategic and inclusive policies.

Speaking in an interview with Metro TV, Mr Agongo highlighted the need for government support beyond familial and political affiliations, stating that a proactive stance is essential for national development.

“Becoming successful is a deliberate attempt. We have to be deliberate in everything that we do,” he said. “The government has to be deliberate in empowering businesspeople who are not necessarily of your bloodline or friends. If we empower the right people, we’ll get there.”

He likened economic empowerment to colonialism, describing the latter as a calculated effort that needs to be countered with equally intentional policies that promote local enterprise.

Agriculture as a path to economic security

Mr Agongo also pointed to the agricultural sector as a critical area that requires deliberate investment.

He warned that a country where citizens spend 60 to 70 per cent of their income on food faces significant economic risks.

“Food is very important. We can’t do without it,” he said. “We have thieves in the country because people are stealing to survive. Most of the stealing we see – of cassava, goat – is driven by hunger.”

He proposed channelling the energy of millions of unemployed youth into agriculture, making it a sector that commands respect and attracts young professionals.

“No matter who you are – doctor, lawyer – you can enter into agriculture,” he noted. “Most of our land is virgin, and if we don’t take our destiny into our own hands and deliberately build a system that will favour us, we will forever be hijacked by neo-colonialists.”

Mr Agongo also raised concerns over the influx of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the country, arguing that external control over food production could further entrench economic dependency.