The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has observed that government remains a core partner to the business community. “Government is a partner, not a competitor.”

He made this important statement at the 15th edition of the Ghana Entrepreneurs Awards Gala Dinner in Accra.

In view of this, government will continue to provide sound policies and interventions that support the growth, expansion and sustainability of businesses.

This will be done by creating an enabling environment, policy stability, digitising and lowering taxes. Others include reliable energy, skills development and smart incentives that empower businesses to plan, scale and thrive.

Indeed, prudent actions taken on the fiscal and monetary fronts have restored confidence in the economy, promoting investment and renewed opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses alike.

Despite the economic gains made so far, he noted, the most inspiring is yet to come from the flagship 24-hour economy and ambitious infrastructure-led agenda—The Big Push, he further stated.

“With the 24-hour economy policy, we’re rewiring the DNA of our economy from one that sleeps at night to one that hums with productivity round the clock—this is a game-changer,” he said.

This year’s awards event was held with the theme ‘Celebrating 15 years of honouring entrepreneurial excellence’ – appreciating and recognising the contribution of leading entrepreneurs and captains of industry in creating jobs and wealth as well as fuelling national development.

Meanwhile, the business community gears up to submit its proposals to the Ministry of Finance for the 2026 budget ahead of its August 29, 2025 deadline. The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) is pushing hard for a further reduction in commercial lending rates and tax rates to ease the cost of doing business.

The Finance Ministry has invited contributions from business associations, professional bodies, financial institutions, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and the general public to shape the 2026–2029 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

Government is targeting November 15 this year for the budget presentation. Since the policy rate is dropping with inflation also dropping, GUTA believes additional cuts in lending rates are crucial for these positive indicators to reflect in interest rates.

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), on the other hand, will propose clearly defined incentives under government’s 24-hour economy policy.