Chief Executive Officers in Ghana have been challenged to play a greater role in the country's economic transformation. The challenge was issued by Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Chairperson of the Ghana CEO Vision High-Level Dialogue. He emphasized that the country's reset agenda can only succeed if business leaders prioritize local production, uphold integrity, and make decisions that serve Ghana's long-term interests. This call to action was made during the Ghana CEO Vision High-Level Dialogue held in Accra on Thursday.
Dr. Yamson stressed that the responsibility for Ghana's development rests not only with political leaders but also with the private sector. He noted that chief executives are among the leaders expected to drive the change the country needs. The event's theme was "Reimagining Ghana's Future: CEOs at the Heart of the Reset Agenda." Dr. Yamson added that many of Ghana's problems are homegrown and require deliberate changes in national attitudes and decision-making.
Dr. Yamson outlined three priorities for business leaders: increasing production in Ghana, leading with integrity and ethics, and building the next generation of leaders. He urged CEOs to look beyond manufacturing to include innovation and the development of new ideas and technologies. This, he believes, can strengthen Ghana's economic independence. He also questioned how the country can claim to be independent while depending on external sources for technology and essential products.
The issue of dependence on imported goods was also raised, particularly in the food sector. Dr. Yamson expressed concern about Ghana's reliance on imported food and encouraged the country to make better use of its resources to expand domestic production. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of integrity and ethics in leadership, stating that these values have been central to his career. He urged CEOs to consider the legacy they would leave behind and make a positive impact.
Dr. Yamson also called on business leaders to invest in developing young people capable of making better decisions for Ghana's future. He warned that repeating the mistakes of previous generations would undermine the reset agenda. The Director of the UNESCO Accra Office, Edmond Moukala N'Gouemo, also spoke at the event. He encouraged businesses and stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take practical action to address development challenges.
N'Gouemo emphasized the importance of investments in healthcare, education, clean water, and social protection. These investments, he believes, are essential to building the human capital needed to sustain industries and promote inclusive growth. The Ghana CEO Vision High-Level Dialogue brought together various stakeholders to discuss the country's development and the role of CEOs in driving change.
The event concluded with a call to action for CEOs and business leaders to take greater responsibility for Ghana's economic transformation. By prioritizing local production, integrity, and the development of future leaders, business leaders can contribute to the country's reset agenda. This, in turn, can help address Ghana's challenges and promote sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- CEOs in Ghana must prioritize local production to drive economic transformation.
- Business leaders are urged to lead with integrity and ethics to make a positive impact.
- Investing in young people is crucial to making better decisions for Ghana's future.
