Ghana CEO Vision Expo leaders call for private sector-led economic reset

The 5th Ghana CEO Vision Expo and Awards convened in Accra on October 29, 2026, with business leaders calling for the private sector to take a central role in the government's economic "reset agenda." Under the theme "Reimagining Ghana’s Future: CEOs at the Heart of the Reset Agenda," participants emphasized that state-led initiatives alone are insufficient to achieve the necessary national transformation. Latif Abubakar, the event's founder, highlighted that effective engagement from the private sector has been historically inadequate and urged for bold ideas and strategic partnerships to bridge existing gaps in the government’s strategies.

Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Chairperson of the High-Level Dialogue, challenged CEOs to drastically reduce the nation's dependency on imported goods and technology. Criticizing the current reliance on imported food, Dr. Yamson advocated for a shift toward local production and innovation driven by ethical leadership and integrity. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Daniel McCauley, Founder of the McDan Group, who argued that Africa possesses abundant resources and a youthful population, leaving "no excuse" for underdevelopment. McCauley stressed that a fundamental shift in mindset, combined with the adoption of new technologies, is essential for closing the economic gap with developed nations.

The dialogue also focused on the social responsibilities of the corporate world. Edmond Moukala, the UNESCO Country Director in Ghana, urged business leaders to measure success beyond financial profits by addressing social inequalities and investing in marginalized rural communities. He encouraged CEOs to build resilient supply chains in vulnerable areas and support infrastructure development in regions where urban growth has outpaced essential services like healthcare and clean water. Furthermore, Shaibu Haruna of Mobile Money Fintech Limited highlighted the role of digital finance in fostering entrepreneurship, suggesting that improved access to digital credit could stimulate broader economic growth.

The event concluded with a commitment from the organizers to compile the discussions and recommendations into a formal communiqu. This document, intended for submission to the Presidency, will outline practical solutions and suggestions for enhancing private sector contributions to the national reset. By prioritizing human rights, rural development, and sustainable solutions, the gathered leaders aimed to ensure that Ghana's economic recovery is both inclusive and long-lasting, moving beyond viewing poverty as a spectacle to building tangible prosperity for all citizens.