Institutionalize proper procedures, laws to guard online business, trading — Gov’t urged

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team, Dr. Ezekiel Agyekum-Obeng, has called for clear procedures and stronger laws from government to protect Ghana’s online business space.

He explained that the rapid growth of technology and digital commerce presents huge opportunities for the youth, but also exposes them to unfair foreign competition.

Dr. Agyekum-Obeng believes government must act quickly to safeguard the sector for young entrepreneurs to thrive.

“So what are we doing to take care of the new advantage that technology and online trading has given us? Luckily, we are the first country in Africa to properly operationalize mobile money interoperability, and it has made it very easy for people to send money across networks and banks.

“How are we taking advantage of these things, and why do we still have foreigners who are doing similar things online in our country as the Ghanaian youth?” he asked.

He further observed that online platforms make it possible for young people to start businesses with little to no capital, stressing that this potential must be protected.

According to him, many Ghanaian youth are already taking advantage of the space, but require legal backing and policies to sustain their efforts.

“All I need is my smartphone, take nice pictures, advertise and put it out there. I can literally start a business without owning a shop or even having capital. How are we safeguarding that space for the Ghanaian youth to take advantage of it, free from foreign competition that may not inure to their benefit?” he stressed.