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October 21, 2026
AI-Enhanced
‘Government is an impediment rather than an enabler’ – Bright Simons on digital platforms
Money
Policy
Opportunity
Growth
Key Points
- Bright Simons of IMANI warns that government policies can obstruct digital opportunities crucial for ordinary Ghanaians' work and income.
- He urges policymakers to remove barriers to digital platforms and avoid poorly considered licensing requirements.
- Simons cites ride-hailing and e-commerce services as prime examples of platforms delivering benefits to ordinary people without formal instruction.
- He emphasizes that users independently acquire skills for these platforms, like mapping and social media use.
- Simons argues that practical policy involves removing obstacles and bottlenecks rather than imposing burdensome regulations, contrasting it with theoretical discussions.
Why This Matters
This analysis is crucial for Ghana as it highlights the potential for government policy to either foster or stifle the burgeoning digital economy, which is a significant source of income and opportunity for many ordinary citizens. Unnecessary regulation could impede innovation and economic growth, directly affecting livelihoods and Ghana's digital future.
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Asene farmers demand compensation for farms destroyed by Accra-Kumasi expressway
- Over 200 farmers at Akyem Asene in the Eastern Region are appealing to the government for adequate compensation for farms destroyed for the new Accra-Kumasi expressway.
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‘We tend to be open-minded and liberal, but that’s not how we’ve lived so far’ – Kufuor
- Former President Kufuor advocates for a Ghana where individual enterprise thrives, supported by strong leadership and inclusive governance.
- He emphasizes leveraging Ghana's natural resources and human talent, cautioning against stifling initiative with excessive taxation.
- Kufuor envisions a state framework that empowers the private sector to mature, attract investment, and allow citizens to build legitimate wealth.
- His vision balances private enterprise with robust social protection, calling for quality education, healthcare, and a safety net against poverty.
- He highlights Ghana's potential through its mineral resources (gold, lithium, bauxite, manganese) and the character of its people to achieve shared prosperity.