President of the Stanford Seed Transformation Network (SSTN), Prince K. Arkutu, has called on the private sector to step out of its comfort zone and actively explore meaningful partnerships that will drive the development of the country.

He emphasised that business leaders must play a pivotal role in driving industrialisation and fostering economic advancement.

He made this known at a networking cocktail aimed at fostering meaningful connections and partnerships. The session was organised under the visionary leadership of SSTN President, Mr Arkutu, who emphasised the importance of meaningful connections and partnerships in supporting the government’s growth agenda.

President, John Mahama, campaigned on a promise to "reset" the country with a new economic model focused on agriculture and agribusiness. His vision aims to create jobs for young people, stimulate local industries, and attract foreign investment.

However, his administration faces mounting pressure to deliver on campaign promises, particularly in addressing high youth unemployment and tackling corruption—two key issues that have eroded public trust in the political system.

Against this backdrop, Mr. Arkutu urged business executives to take proactive steps toward economic transformation.

Speaking at SSTN’s annual New Year networking cocktail event in Accra, he stated: "It is time for us to rally behind the elected government and align our efforts with the Ghana Reset Agenda. The private sector has a crucial role to play in job creation, particularly for the youth. This is essential for economic growth and for reducing brain drain. We must act now and collaborate to achieve these objectives."

He reaffirmed SSTN’s commitment to supporting the government’s pro-business policies, stressing that the network’s over 120 business leaders are uniquely positioned to drive this transformation.

Through job creation, innovation, and sustainable business practices, SSTN aims to actively align its initiatives with the government's vision for economic recovery and growth.

Access to Capital for Business Growth

The event featured insightful presentations from Karl Ocran and Hose Kakane of Growth Investment Partners (GIP), who shared their expertise on funding solutions for businesses. They highlighted the importance of access to capital for scaling enterprises and achieving long-term growth.

Their insights resonated strongly with attendees, many of whom are actively seeking innovative financing options to expand their businesses.

A Platform for Collaboration and Networking

The event provided a valuable platform for SSTN members to connect, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. It brought together CEOs, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from diverse sectors, all united by a shared vision of driving Ghana’s economic transformation. Special guests included investors and executives from the Ghana Stock Exchange.

SSTN emphasised that government support in reviewing certain taxes and reducing the cost of capital is critical to enabling private sector expansion. This, in turn, would help address youth unemployment and curb the ongoing brain drain.

Empowering the Next Generation

Over the years, SSTN has prioritised initiatives that empower young people through skills development, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs. By creating opportunities for youth, the network seeks not only to boost the economy but also to retain Ghanaian talent within the country.

One of SSTN’s flagship social impact projects, the Scholarship Program, has already sponsored five brilliant but underprivileged students for tertiary education over the past five years.