Founder of the All People's Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has emphasized the need for Ghana to protect its strategic national assets and ensure greater Ghanaian participation in major foreign investment partnerships. In a Founder's Day message, Mr. Ayariga commemorated the legacy of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and stressed the importance of building strong institutions and creating opportunities for Ghanaian citizens. He believes that leadership should be measured not only by individual achievements but also by the institutions and opportunities left for future generations.
Mr. Ayariga acknowledged the role of foreign direct investment in providing capital, technology, and employment opportunities but cautioned against arrangements that could give foreign investors excessive control over strategic national assets. He stated that Ghana's lands, natural resources, businesses, and other strategic assets should be managed with the interests of future generations in mind. This, he believes, is crucial for the country's economic development and long-term sustainability.
Mr. Ayariga called for greater transparency in major public-private partnership (PPP) agreements and transactions involving strategic national assets. He proposed that such agreements should be subject to parliamentary and public scrutiny to ensure that Ghana's interests are protected. Additionally, he suggested policy requirements that would guarantee meaningful Ghanaian participation in major investment arrangements, including enforceable commitments on job creation, skills development, and technology transfer.
The APC founder also emphasized the need for policies that strengthen Ghanaian-owned businesses, enabling them to participate more actively in major economic projects. He argued that local businesses should be positioned to compete and grow alongside international investors, rather than remaining on the sidelines of major development initiatives. This, he believes, will help promote economic independence and self-reliance.
Mr. Ayariga's comments form part of wider Founder's Day discussions on economic independence, self-reliance, and national development. September 21 is observed as Founder's Day in Ghana and is also the birthday of Dr. Nkrumah, who was born on September 21, 1909. The day was declared a statutory public holiday for 2026 by the Ministry of the Interior. Mr. Ayariga concluded his message with a call for national policy to protect Ghana's long-term interests while remaining open to international investment.
The Ministry of the Interior declared September 21 a statutory public holiday for 2026 to commemorate Founder's Day. On this day, Ghanaians reflect on the legacy of Dr. Nkrumah and his contributions to the country's independence. Mr. Ayariga's message is a reminder of the importance of protecting Ghana's strategic national assets and promoting economic development that benefits future generations.
Mr. Ayariga's call for Ghanaian ownership in strategic investment deals is a timely reminder of the need for careful consideration in major investment partnerships. As Ghana continues to pursue economic development, it is essential that the country's interests are protected, and the benefits of investment are shared equitably among Ghanaians. This will help ensure that the country's long-term interests are safeguarded while promoting sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- Hassan Ayariga calls for stronger protection of Ghana's strategic national assets and greater Ghanaian participation in major foreign investment partnerships.
- He proposes greater transparency in major public-private partnership agreements and transactions involving strategic national assets.
- Mr. Ayariga emphasizes the need for policies that strengthen Ghanaian-owned businesses to promote economic independence and self-reliance.
