CASTIN

It was an insightful session interacting with the leadership and members of the Young Entrepreneurs Association. Our discussions centered on critical steps to unlock the full potential of our private sector, including advancing the Startup and Innovation Act, making enterprise financing more affordable and accessible, and restoring tax incentives for young businesses. We also explored ways to open public procurement to youth- and women-led enterprises, build robust incubation and skills development systems, connect our businesses to the AfCFTA and wider international markets, and institutionalise youth participation in economic policy discussions. I sincerely thank the leadership for their warm reception and profound insights, and I commend you all for leading the charge in Ghana's economic transformation. Together, we are building a resilient, digital and prosperous future for all.

It was an honour and a delight to welcome my good friend, H.E. @ProfOsinbajo (SAN, GCON), former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to my office today. We had insightful discussions on the way forward for Africa, particularly on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. It was a pleasure to have his usual brilliant perspectives on this and other issues. I am most grateful to H.E. Prof. Osinbajo for the courtesy of his visit and wish him well.

Today I had the honour of meeting with the National Executive Committee of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) at the GMA house, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The meeting was part of my ongoing process of consultation with key stakeholders and identifiable groups in the country. The president of the GMA, Professor (Dr.) Ernest Yorke and his colleagues offered many insights into the challenges faced by medical doctors in Ghana, including health workforce retention, remuneration, inequitable distribution of medical doctors, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, conditions of service, deprived area allowance, the role of the private sector, the requirement of the Medical and Dental Council for doctors to write licensing exams, etc. Following our discussions, I am convinced that a paradigm shift is needed in our health care policies. Some brilliant ideas were put on the table, and I am very encouraged that when implemented they will be transformational for the welfare of doctors and the health sector as a whole. Healthcare delivery is a collaborative mission. I extend my sincere gratitude to the President, the executive leadership, and members of the GMA for their invaluable insights, candor, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Ghanaian people. Together, we will continue to build a robust, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system that leaves no community behind.