Hassan Ayariga calls for Ghanaian ownership in strategic investment deals

Hassan Ayariga, the founder of the All People's Congress (APC), has urged for stronger safeguards of Ghana's key national resources and increased involvement of Ghanaians in significant foreign investment deals. Addressing a Founder's Day message on the legacy of Ghana's inaugural President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Mr Ayariga urged for a wider debate on how Ghana can build robust institutions, generate opportunities for its citizens, and shield its interests in its quest for economic progress.

Ayariga, a businessman and public official, emphasized that leadership should be evaluated not just by personal achievements but also by the institutions and possibilities it leaves for forthcoming generations. "Leadership, for a founder, entrepreneur, and public servant, is not determined solely by what we accomplish for ourselves, but by the opportunities we generate for others and the heritage we leave behind," he stated.

While acknowledging the role of foreign direct investment in offering capital, technology, and employment, Ayariga warned against agreements that might grant excessive influence to foreign investors over crucial national assets. He advocated for Ghana's lands, natural resources, firms, and other strategic assets to be managed with the welfare of future generations in view.

"As we strive for development and welcome investment, we must be cautious not to relinquish our businesses, strategic economic assets, natural resources, lands, and properties to foreign investors under the pretext of public-private partnerships," he warned. Ayariga emphasized the need for more openness in major public-private partnership (PPP) agreements and transactions involving strategic national assets, proposing that they be subjected to parliamentary and public review.

He also suggested policy measures to ensure active involvement of Ghanaian businesses in significant investment projects, including guarantees of job creation, skills enhancement, and technology transfer. Encouraging local enterprises Ayeriga also pushed for policies that empower locally-owned businesses to take part more actively in significant economic projects, arguing that local firms should be equipped to compete and flourish side by side with international investors, rather than being sidelined in major development undertakings.

His remarks align with broader Founder's Day discussions on economic independence, self-sufficiency, and national advancement. September 21 is commemorated as Founder's Day in Ghana and also marks the birth of Dr Nkrumah, who was born on September 21, 1909. This day was officially designated as a public holiday for 2026 by the Ministry of the Interior.

Ayariga concluded his message with a plea for national policy that preserves Ghana's long-term interests while maintaining openness to international investment. "Ghana's future must never be surrendered."