Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 19, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized that the difficulty of finding trustworthy employees is one of the most significant obstacles facing business owners today, even more so than financial constraints.
To illustrate his point, Mahama shared a personal experience of purchasing a bus for a relative to help establish a transport business, aiming to provide financial stability for his family. However, the driver—also a relative—prioritized his own interests, modifying the vehicle in ways that led to repeated breakdowns.
“It is not just capital that hinders businesses; it is finding reliable people to work with,” Mahama noted. He recounted how the driver overloaded the bus, causing the axle to break, which ultimately led to the bus’s sale. “The reason for buying the bus had been defeated. They would come to me for repairs, costing me more than if I had simply sent them money directly.”
Reflecting on the broader implications, Mahama stated that many entrepreneurs face similar challenges, with employees often viewing their employers’ businesses as mere stepping stones for their own ambitions. He mentioned that some Ghanaian business owners have resorted to hiring foreign managers due to the difficulties in finding dependable local personnel.
“To address this issue, we must shift our mindset,” Mahama urged. He called on Ghanaian professionals to cultivate a culture of dedication and integrity in business management, emphasizing the necessity of building a strong core of trustworthy individuals committed to fostering business growth rather than exploiting it for personal gain.
“This is a serious concern. We must focus on finding dedicated management to build our businesses,” he concluded, highlighting the urgent need for change in the local workforce.
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