Accra, Ghana – March 12, 2025
A diverse coalition of stakeholders gathered over week at the Hill View Hotel in Abokobi for an intensive three-day retreat to finalize a consolidated Ghana Innovations and Startups Bill. With a sense of urgency driving the discussions, the stakeholders’ working group is focused on producing a unified draft of the bill that will bolster Ghana’s startup ecosystem. The retreat underscores an inclusive, participatory approach, bringing together key voices from government, industry, and the startup community to ensure the legislation addresses real-world needs.
The Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies and Innovation (MoCDTI) has directed the working group to deliver concrete results from this retreat. Specifically, the committee has been tasked with producing a single consolidated version of the bill, a clear roadmap for the bill’s passage into law, and a detailed plan for drafting the necessary Legislative Instrument (LI) that will operationalize the law once passed. This high-level directive adds urgency to the retreat’s agenda and highlights the government’s commitment to seeing the startup bill through to implementation without further delays.
Acting Deputy CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Joan Selasie Ahiawordor, emphasized the importance of speed and collaboration. “Every day without this bill in place is a lost opportunity for young entrepreneurs in Ghana,” she said, urging the working group to work swiftly and collaboratively to “get this bill over the line.”
Co-Chairperson of the committee, Mr. Sherif Ghali – who also serves as CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE) – praised the retreat’s inclusive setup. “This process brings everyone to the table – from policymakers to startup enablers – to craft a bill that truly reflects the needs of our startup ecosystem,” Mr. Ghali noted, highlighting that such broad stakeholder involvement is unprecedented in shaping legislation for startups in Ghana.
The retreat’s participants reflect the broad inclusivity of this effort. Attending organizations and groups include:
- Ministry of Communication and Digital Technologies and Innovation (MoCDTI)
- National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP)
- Ghana Digital Centers Limited
- Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE)
- Association of Ghana Startups
- Ghana Hubs Network
- A cross-section of startup founders and entrepreneurs
- Legal practitioners with expertise in startup and innovation policy
- Heritors Labs
- STEPRI
This diverse representation ensures that the bill’s provisions are examined from all angles — policy, business, and legal — making the final draft more robust and well-rounded. Over the three days, delegates will review feedback from prior consultations, iron out outstanding issues in the draft, and build consensus on key provisions. The Ghana Innovations and Startups Bill is aimed at creating an enabling environment for innovation-driven enterprises – defining what qualifies as a startup in Ghana, offering incentives such as tax breaks and funding support for new businesses, and streamlining regulatory processes for entrepreneurs. By refining these elements now, the working group hopes to produce a bill that can be effectively implemented and immediately beneficial to Ghana’s young businesses.
In keeping with the open and inclusive approach, the working group is also calling on other stakeholders and members of the public to contribute their input. All interested parties are encouraged to submit feedback and suggestions via the official platform at www.ghanastartupbill.org. This call to action ensures that even those not present at the retreat have an opportunity to shape the bill, reinforcing the collaborative spirit behind this legislative effort.
By the conclusion of the retreat, the stakeholders expect to have a consolidated bill, a roadmap for drafting the LI, and an updated work plan for the bill’s passage. These outcomes will form the foundation for the next steps in the bill’s journey, paving the way for swift movement through Cabinet and Parliament. The collective urgency, inclusivity, and dedication demonstrated at the retreat are set to accelerate Ghana’s march toward a landmark Startup Act that empowers innovators and entrepreneurs nationwide.
