Business magnate Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom has challenged the government to do more to create an enabling environment for business owners to flourish.

The leader of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) said more jobs could be created in the private sector if the government supports entrepreneurs with lower taxes, lower utility prices among others.

Dr Nduom was reacting to President John Dramani Mahama’s comment over the weekend that tertiary institutions must change their curricula to reflect what business and industry want by way of introducing practical and evidence-based and problem-solving skills.

In a Facebook post, Dr Nduom said: “We must not create the false impression that our graduates can step right from university to start their own companies. Our youth need to gain work ethics by working for others. They need to learn by doing, gaining business discipline and saving their own earnings that can help launch businesses later.”

Below is the full unedited post:

“Why Not Support Our Entrepreneurs with Lower Taxes, Lower Utility Prices, and a Market, to Create More Jobs in the Private Sector?

“Speaking at the fourth congregation of the Perez University College in Accra, President Mahama is reported to have said, “most institutions in the world have changed their curricula to reflect what business and industry wants, and that is to support more practical, evidence-based, entrepreneurial, innovative and problem solving skills. Let us continue to help mould the students; not only into employable persons after graduation, but also to imbibe in them entrepreneurial skills that challenge them to begin to dream of setting up their own businesses even while in school.”

“This is what I would have liked to be said by President Mahama: "we are supporting our entrepreneurs with lower taxes, lower utility prices and continuous, uninterrupted supply; and expedited licensing and clearing of goods at our ports of entry. I have directed that no one, no institution that is supported or was set up with the taxpayers' money should buy any item that is imported when that item is produced locally. This will create the jobs the young men and women you educate need. We will by lead by example to seek out successful entrepreneurs, celebrate them and encourage them to be good role models for you to follow."

“We must not create the false impression that our graduates can step right from university to start their own companies. Our youth need to gain work ethics by working for others. They need to learn by doing, gaining business discipline and saving their own earnings that can help launch businesses later.

“I was a proud employee of four companies before I launched my first company. Good preparation is important. Our government must work harder to create the positive environment to encourage entrepreneurs to expand their enterprises and create more jobs.”