Founder and Chairman of Blue Skies Company Limited, Anthony Pile, has dismissed claims that Ghanaian workers lack commitment, insisting that systemic corruption—not poor work ethic—is the real threat to productivity and industrial growth in Ghana.
Speaking during the Citi Business Festival’s on-air series, Pile lauded the Ghanaian workforce as highly energetic, enthusiastic, and hardworking, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
According to him, local workers have consistently demonstrated strong dedication, contrary to negative perceptions held by some industry players.
“They [Ghanaian workers] are the most willing, can-do, ‘let’s go, wow-this is great’ people I have ever met,” Pile said.
He instead pointed to corruption—especially along transport routes—as a major obstacle to business operations. He cited the numerous financial barriers businesses face at checkpoints when moving goods, describing how such extortion inflates costs and stifles competitiveness.
“I think there are about 26 points at which they relieve you of money for bringing a mango when you come to a barrier. You double the price of a mango coming in. The mango grows here in Ghana; it only needs a few weeks to yield,” he said.
Pile further explained that while such practices are not unique to Ghana, the impact on local industry is particularly damaging.
“When you bring stuff in by road and you get to the police points, it is not just in Ghana—don’t think this is Ghanaian. It is endemic. The condemnation of corruption has to come from the top. A zero tolerance,” he noted.
He called for strong leadership and the political will to stamp out corruption, warning that its persistence undermines industrial development and economic growth.
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