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Daniel Duku calls for ethical leadership systems to strengthen Ghana’s institutions
Former public sector executive and governance advisor , Daniel Duku has called on leaders in Ghana to shift from personality-driven leadership to the deliberate construction of ethical systems that can sustain institutions beyond individual tenures.
According to Duku, Ghana has produced capable leaders across public and private sectors, but many institutions remain fragile because progress is often tied to individuals rather than strong governance frameworks.
“Ethics in our institutions cannot depend solely on the character of individuals in political positions. We as a country, must endeavour to put systems in place to ensure consistency in processes and outcomes” he said.
“What defines success is not how influential a leader becomes, but whether the institution continues to function effectively after that leader exits.” He noted.
Mr. Duku explained that Ghana’s leadership challenge is less about a lack of vision or basic resources but more about systemic weaknesses.
“Frequent changes in political leadership, board appointments, and executive management mean that institutions in Ghana must be built to withstand transitions” he mentioned.
He emphasized that ethical leadership must extend beyond public rhetoric and be embedded into the operational structures of organizations.
The former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Venture Capital Trust Fund, highlighted procurement processes, financial controls, performance management systems, and decision-making frameworks as critical areas where ethics must be institutionalized, as properly designed systems protect not only institutions but also leaders by reducing exposure to risk and controversy.
Daniel Duku identified board governance as one of the most underutilized mechanisms in Ghana’s leadership ecosystem.
He noted that boards often function as ceremonial bodies rather than independent oversight institutions.
“Boards exist to protect the institution. They must be willing to ask difficult questions and act in the long-term interest of the organization.” he clarified.
He added that ineffective boards contribute significantly to institutional failure and loss of public trust.
Addressing leadership lapses, Duku outlined several shifts he believes are necessary for Ghana’s leadership future, including moving from personality-centered leadership to institution-centered governance, strengthening accountability mechanisms, improving transparency, and prioritizing long-term national value over short-term gains.
He observed that Ghana’s public discourse often treats setbacks as final judgments rather than opportunities for reform.
He called for a more mature leadership culture that examines mistakes, documents lessons, and strengthens systems accordingly.
In concluding, he urged leaders across government, corporate, and civil society sectors to reflect on the legacy of their leadership and reiterated the need for system-driven institutions that continue to work when political leaders leave office, and continues to serve citizens consistently and effectively.
About Daniel Duku
Daniel Duku is a Ghanaian-American business executive, former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s Venture Capital Trust Fund, and current Chairman of Georgetown Group.
He is a governance advisor and public speaker focused on ethical leadership, institutional reform, and board effectiveness.
By: Ernest Kwabena Opare Owusu
The National Identification Authority has resumed the Ghana Card registration exercise for children between the ages of 6 and 14 in the Volta and Oti regions.
According to the Authority, the exercise begins on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority.
In a statement issued on May 4, the NIA said the exercise forms part of a nationwide campaign aimed at registering about 3.1 million children to strengthen Ghana’s national identity system.
The Authority explained that the Volta and Oti regions are the first areas selected for the phased national rollout, with each phase expected to last at least 21 days.
Registration teams are expected to move from school to school, covering both public and private institutions, to register eligible children.
The NIA said registration will take place daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
It added that children within the age bracket who are not in school can visit designated schools or registration centres in their communities to register.
According to the Authority, parents or guardians registering a child must present the child’s original birth certificate, valid Ghanaian passport or certificate of acquired citizenship.
Where these documents are unavailable, a parent, relative or legal guardian may complete an Oath of Identity form.
The NIA further explained that in cases where a child has no known relatives, two Social Welfare Officers may vouch for the child under oath.
Parents and guardians who have enrolled their children onto the National Health Insurance Scheme were encouraged to present the child’s NHIS card or number during registration.
The Authority stressed that persons presenting children for registration must be Ghanaian citizens, at least 18 years old, mentally sound and possess a valid Ghana Card.
The NIA also advised children who registered during the 2024 pilot phase but have not yet received their cards to visit their district offices for collection.
The Authority warned that providing false information or assisting in the registration of non-Ghanaians is a criminal offence punishable by law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a secure, reliable and inclusive national identity system for all Ghanaians.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Police in the Aburi District arrested 11 suspects for alleged possession of arms and ammunition without authority in connection with the Adambrobe chieftaincy dispute, the Command revealed on Monday.
Ten suspects were arrested on Sunday, May 3, at Adambrobe, Aburi.
Police identified them as Dawu Joseph, a farmer; Kwame Aboagye, a vulcanizer; Samuel Obeng, a taxi driver in Adambrobe; Owusu Paul, a member of the Adambrobe Asekyere family; Jerry John Kwame Atilla, a businessman in Sowutuom; and private security men Evans Dekadzor, Christian Atsu, Samuel Annan, Thomas Davidson, and Richard Agyeman.
The Aburi District Command retrieved five pump-action rifles, 23 live cartridges, one taser, six phones, and one body armor during the operation.
Police also impounded two vehicles used to transport the suspects: an unregistered Ford pickup and a Toyota Corolla with registration number GE 2560-19.
An additional suspect, Douglas Amoako Danquah, was arrested Monday, May 4, after being sighted in a procession within the area, police said.
The arrests are linked to the ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Adambrobe.
Suspects are currently in police custody assisting in investigations.
The Eastern Regional Police Command assured the public of their continued commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Adambrobe and urge all parties to exercise restraint.
