Sam George takes major step towards innovation with new start-up bill

The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation has held a key meeting with the objective to drive the innovation of the Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill.

Consultant input from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) came in the form of a meeting with Kofi Ocloo, Vice President of Heritors Labs, and his team.

Their attention was on the strategy to increase innovation and drive the start-up economy in Ghana.

This is a significant step in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation at the national level. It aims to establish a legal and institutional framework that will foster startups, stimulate innovators, and promote an ecosystem for sustainable economic growth.

Insights

During the meeting, Mr. Ocloo presented in-depth reports on evidence that stated the innovation status in Ghana. The reports provided useful information about the challenges and opportunities of start-ups and innovators across various industries.

The data provided will act as a foundation for drafting the bill’s provisions, ensuring that it addresses the real needs of Ghana’s innovation ecosystem.

Structured

To ensure the bill is comprehensive and inclusive, the Ministry unveiled a methodical three-stage review process:

1. Committee-Level Review: The bill will first be examined by a special stakeholders’ and experts’ committee that will provide detailed comments on its provisions.
   Zonal-Level Consultations: Stakeholder consultations will be carried out in various zones in Ghana to obtain various perspectives and ensure regional needs are met.
   3. National-Level Validation: National validation is conducted through national consultations with all the major stakeholders prior to the draft being brought before Parliament.

The multi-stage process is designed to be inclusive, transparent, and to involve a large number of stakeholders.

Innovation

Honorable Samuel Nartey George (MP), Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, confirmed his utmost interest in moving the bill forward through the assistance of Heritors Labs and CSIR consultants.

He emphasized the imperative of urging stakeholders to collaborate and make the bill satisfy the wants of Ghana’s entrepreneurs and innovators.

“We are committed to passing the Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill transparently and jointly. With inputs and guidance of key stakeholders, we aim at presenting a good and effective bill to Parliament,” Honorable George said.

Activation Timeline

The Ministry has also given a timeframe for commencing the review process by May 2025. The aim is to have the final draft ready to be tabled in Parliament prior to the next recess, allowing it to receive the attention and approval it warrants. This is an indication of the Ministry’s seriousness and urgency in leading innovation-led growth in Ghana.

Key Highlights

1. Fostering Innovation: The bill will focus on promoting and developing innovation-based business companies across the country.
   2. Multi-Aspect Review Process: A systematic, three-stage review process will provide for comprehensive input from wide stakeholders and a proper legislative forum.
   3. Stakeholder Validation: The Ministry will initially engage key stakeholders to prepare a bill that addresses the practical requirements and issues encountered and arising in actual life.
   4. Early Tabling: The Ministry intends to complete the review process and table the bill in Parliament by May 2025.

The overall strategy reflects Ghana’s intent to create a healthy, innovative economy. By establishing a facilitating legal framework, the Ghana Innovation and Start-up Bill has the potential to unlock new opportunities for start-ups, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the country.