Businessman and CEO of Engineers and Planners, Ibrahim Mahama has urged graduates in the country to focus on self-employment instead of relying on government or politicians to create jobs for them.

Using his personal experience with politicians, Mr. Mahama who is also the brother of former president John Dramani Mahama said politicians will rather distract one from achieving a goal, through sabotage and propaganda.

Currently, more than 1.2 million persons from 15 years and older are estimated to be unemployed, representing an unemployment rate of 11.9%. This is according to the Labour Force Survey Report.

The situation has become a threat to the stability of the country with some economics and labor experts predicting an increase in social vices.

But, Mr. Mahama who also owns multiple businesses across the country maintains, with the right amount of focus and determination, graduates can become the country’s means to bridging the unemployment gap through entrepreneurship.

“I have an experience with politicians, both NDC and NPP. If you follow them, they will distract you, any of them who come to power, you will be their enemy. If NDC comes to power they will say they don’t want you, if NPP comes to power they will also not want you, so please, stay away from them and you will be successful.”

Mr. Mahama furthered argued that, while state institutions are supposed to help and support young entrepreneurs, the laws governing these institutions are not working, hence the need for one to be self-dependent.



“Yes, state institutions are supposed to help, but unfortunately our laws don’t work. If the laws worked, so many Ghanaians would be in business now. You need to put what you learn here into practice out there. You cannot afford to depend on people, stay focus, be honest and work hard. Everyone here has a bright destiny and it will amaze you that you can achieve more than what you think yourself capable of”.



The multi-million business man was speaking on the theme; “The role of entrepreneurs in reducing unemployment and achieving the sustainable development goals” at the 2018 GRASSAG Entrepreneurship Seminar.