The Member of Parliament for Kintampo South, Hon. Felicia Adjei, has called on the government to expedite the passage of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, arguing that its implementation could significantly reduce the wave of irregular migration among Ghanaian youth.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, July 11, 2025, the MP emphasised that many young people in her constituency and other parts of the country are compelled to migrate to places like Libya under perilous conditions due to the scarcity of decent jobs and business opportunities at home.

“Mr. Speaker, many of our young people leave because they cannot find jobs, and life is hard here. They are not lazy—they lack support and access to opportunities,” she said.

Hon. Adjei emphasised that although some returnees bring back valuable skills and experiences, reintegrating them into the economy remains a challenge due to systemic obstacles that hinder entrepreneurial growth.

“Our system does not support them enough to start and grow successful businesses. Even when they have great ideas, many give up or leave again,” she lamented.

To address these challenges, the MP is pushing for the swift finalisation and passage of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill—an initiative she believes could consolidate and streamline the current fragmented support for youth entrepreneurship.

“Mr. Speaker, in 2020, the Ministry of Business Development and the private sector set up a committee to work on this important bill. My checks show that it is still under review by the technical working committee. I am appealing to the government to fast-track its work so we can have a Startup Act that provides real solutions,” she urged.

According to her, the proposed Startup Act would:

• Make it easier for young people to start and register businesses
• Improve access to funding and training
• Safeguard innovative ideas through legal protections
• Coordinate the efforts of government, donor agencies, and support programmes under one framework

Hon. Adjei also drew attention to the example of other African countries that have already made headway in this area.

“Nigeria and Kenya have passed similar laws, and it is already making a difference in how young people are building businesses and contributing to their economies,” she noted.

She concluded her statement with a passionate appeal to Parliament: “Let us give our young entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed here at home. The Startup Act is not just a law—it is hope, it is empowerment, and it is a step towards ending the dangerous journeys our youth are taking in search of survival.”

Her call adds to growing advocacy for a legislative framework that will foster a more enabling environment for startups and innovation, while simultaneously tackling the root causes of youth emigration from Ghana.