Regulatory burden threatens SME growth, job creation – ILAPI study

Ghana’s regulatory environment is placing a significant burden on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), limiting their ability to expand, create jobs and contribute fully to economic growth, a new study by the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has found.

Speaking at a media briefing on excerpts from the report, ILAPI Executive Director Peter Bismark Kwofie said a nationwide survey of 600 MSMEs conducted between September 2024 and July 2025 found that businesses face lengthy registration processes, multiple regulatory requirements and significant compliance costs.“Ghana’s regulatory system compared to other jurisdictions places too much emphasis on revenue generation rather than creating an environment that facilitates business growth and job creation,” he stated.