Social Enterprise (SE) Ghana, a network for high-impact social entrepreneurs, has called for policies and legislations that specifically recognize and support social enterprises, including tax breaks, access to grants, and favourable business conditions.
Such policies, it said, would enable social entrepreneurs to make a greater impact on Ghana’s economy by generating more opportunities for young people.
Mr. Edwin Zu-Cudjoe, Executive Director of SE Ghana, made the remarks during a policy discussion in Accra.
He underlined the need for a more conducive environment for social entrepreneurs in Ghana, particularly in the agribusiness sector.
The event brought together key government agencies, including the Ministries of Trade and Industry, Finance, and Food and Agriculture, as well as other stakeholders.
The main objective was to advocate for a comprehensive policy that addresses critical issues such as investment access, market opportunities, and support for agribusiness.
The initiative seeks to enhance the sustainability and impact of social enterprises, effectively contributing to national economic growth and food security.
Social Enterprise Ghana represents approximately 1,100 organizations, over 55 per cent of which are engaged in climate-smart agribusiness.
The network has been diligently advocating for the establishment of a Ghana Social Enterprise Policy to support sustainable development and enhance the impact of social enterprises across the country.
Agribusiness social enterprises in Ghana play a vital role in the economy, with over 115,000 contributing approximately $1.4 billion to the GDP and providing jobs for more than 400,000 individuals.
Despite these contributions, many enterprises, particularly those led by young women, persons with disabilities, and refugee farmers, face significant challenges.
Mr. Zu-Cudjoe emphasised the persistent challenges encountered by enterprises, particularly those run by young women, people with disabilities, and refugee farmers.
Despite their valuable contributions, these groups encounter significant barriers, including limited access to land, inadequate financial solutions, and lack of tailored policies.
Mr. Zu-Cudjoe observed that there was little acknowledgment that social entrepreneurs often approach banks for investment or loans, but they are perceived as NGOs, which could prevent them from seeking financing.
Furthermore, a lack of government backing limits their ability to effectively serve their communities.
Mr. Zu-Cudjoe highlighted the challenges the Network encountered in advocating for essential policies for proper recognition, which prompted important discussions around policy development.
He called on the Ministry of Trade and Industry to support the adoption process, emphasizing the need for a more favourable business environment for social enterprises to thrive.
Prof. Ernest Asamoah, a researcher and consultant for the SE Ghana, emphasised the significant role of social enterprises in Ghana’s economy.
He noted that, with over 115,000 social enterprises contributing around 3.5 per cent to the country’s GDP, the implementation of supportive policies could significantly increase their impact.
“If you have a sector that makes such a contribution by employing more than 800,000 people, then, it has the capacity to employ over 2.5 million people over the next five years, that means it is a huge sector to deal with,” he stated.
He admitted that the network was currently facing significant constraints due to a lack of policy, which meant that an agenda setting was required to grab the attention of the government and the public.
Prof. Ernest Winful, a researcher and Accra Technical University representative, argued that social enterprises had the potential to tackle the country’s challenges.
“We all witnessed the way our water bodies have been seriously destroyed. We are all witnessing the extent to which galamsey is affecting all our sectors and all our activities. And when a policy like this is passed, it is also a way of addressing those challenge.
“The current challenge society is facing is how we do things, and the social enterprise is a model that looks at how we do things differently. We look at how to impact society and at the same time protect the environment,” he said.
