There is a persistent and, in my view, backward notion in our public discourse that the age of a company is somehow synonymous with its competence.

🇬🇭 Here's What Happened

A company may have existed for decades, possess every conceivable certificate and have an impressive history, yet lack the equipment, personnel, financial capacity or technical competence required for a particular job. Conversely, a company incorporated only months ago may possess all these things.

The question should therefore be simple: Can the company do the job, and can it demonstrate the capacity to do it?

This principle is worth defending regardless of the political party in power, the company involved or the controversy of the day.

📌 Key Details

Consider a senior engineer who has spent 30 years working for the Ghana Highway Authority or a major construction company. He has supervised highways, bridges and complex infrastructure projects. One day, he resigns and establishes his own construction company. He acquires the necessary equipment, recruits experienced engineers and technicians, obtains the required statutory classifications and demonstrates adequate financial capacity.

Why should his company be considered incompetent simply because it is six months old?

Did his 30 years of engineering experience disappear on the day he incorporated a new company?

When a new radio station obtains its frequency and all regulatory approvals, must it broadcast secretly within its studios for ten years before it is considered experienced enough to accept advertising?

When a new bank satisfies the Bank of Ghana's capital, governance, technology and regulatory requirements and receives a licence, must it take deposits only from the families of its directors for several years before being allowed to serve the public?

When an airline obtains its operating licence, aircraft, qualified pilots, engineers, insurance and every required safety certification, must it fly empty aircraft for five years before accepting paying passengers?

📰 Source: Joy Online Ghana