The Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has dismissed efforts by the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to downplay his proposal to support startups, particularly in the poultry and baking industries.

Mr Mahama emphasized that his initiative aims to address the rising unemployment rate in Ghana by providing critical support to small business ventures.

As part of his plan, Mr Mahama has pledged to offer incentives such as day-old chicks for poultry farmers and ovens for those in the baking sector.

Despite the scepticism and mockery from the NPP, he remains committed to creating job opportunities through these initiatives, believing they will empower many Ghanaians to establish sustainable businesses.

Speaking during a mini rally at Adjei Kojo in the Tema West constituency, Mr Mahama criticised his opponents for attempting to discredit his policy, stating that many multimillion-dollar enterprises globally started from small beginnings.

He argued that supporting startups is a proven path to economic growth and prosperity.

Mahama reaffirmed his dedication to boosting entrepreneurship across the country, stressing that his approach will foster job creation, reduce unemployment, and provide lasting economic benefits for Ghanaians.

“The NPP has gone to do an advert saying I am only talking about small business but they don’t know that everywhere in the world everywhere you will go the advanced countries. It is these small businesses that have developed them to where they have reached now."

“So it is true there are big businesses that are all coming together to form the 24-hour economy but if we don’t support these small businesses to elevate them the country won’t get to anywhere. So we value the small and medium enterprises and we are going to help the business people in the small and medium sector to be able to grow their businesses”, Mr. Mahama stated.