Accra, June 25, GNA – The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Mr Benard Ahiafor has called on African leaders to create an enabling environment to aid young people to develop their potentials.
“Across Africa and around the world, we are witnessing a new generation of business leaders who are redefining what is possible by harnessing technology to create solutions,” he stated.
He added, “They are opening new markets, and driving economic transformation, in ways that were unimaginable.
“It is therefore our responsibility as leaders to create an environment in which these potentials can thrive; where innovation is encouraged, enterprise is rewarded, investment is provided, and partnerships are nurtured.”
Mr Ahiafor made the call when he opened a two-day 12th WCI Forum Ghana 2026 in Accra organised by 10G GlobalTech Ghana.
The forum brought together business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, investors, and development partners from Ghana, Turkey, and beyond to promote, investment, innovation, trade partnerships, and sustainable economic development.
The First Deputy Speaker said one of the greatest assets any nation could find was in its people and that the future was built by those who transformed ideas into action.
Mr Ahiafor said over the years Ghana and Turkey had strengthened diplomatic relations, expanded trade and investment opportunities, and cultivated valued partnerships across infrastructure, manufacturing, education, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
“These partnerships represent far more than economic transformation; they create jobs for young people, empower entrepreneurs, strengthen local industries, and built resilient economy capable of competing successfully in an increasing interconnected world,” he stated.
He added that most importantly they improved the quality of lives of ordinary citizens and contributed to shared prosperity.
Mr Ahiafor said as Parliament continued to discharge its constitutional mandate, it would remain committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that would promote economic growth, attract investment, and encourage entrepreneurship, and deepen international cooperation.
“We recognised that the future prosperity of our economy would depend increasingly on our ability to build bridges across nations; connect markets, facilitate innovation, and create opportunities that transcend borders,” he said.
He noted that the significant of the forum extend far beyond networking and commercial engagement, adding, “It is a platform for dialogue, learning, innovation, and forging partnerships that can unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, industrial growth, and sustainable development.”
He commended the organisers of the forum and for bringing stakeholders across the globe to engage in meaningful dialogue on trade, investment, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
Mr Huseyin Gungor, the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana said there were many great business potentials in Ghana and urged the small and medium enterprises to collaborate with Turkish businesses to build trusted partnerships and to create economic success stories for both countries.
Mr Anil Utku Bengisu, President of WCI in a welcoming address said the forum was a place where handshape becomes partnership, ideas become investment, and a meeting becomes a success story.
“I came to Ghana with a dream 12 years ago and year by year, and step by step here we are with the 12th WCI Forum; this is a success story of partnership, and a trust as Ghana and Turkey move together,” he noted.
“Today I have brought over 100 business leaders to Ghana to meet with you to discuss business opportunities, create partnerships, and to build bridges for the success of Ghana and Turkey.”
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba