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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
President John Dramani Mahama has set up and will personally chair a new Presidential Advisory Group on the Economy (PAGE) to help guide Ghana’s economic recovery and growth.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the government said the move is part of its commitment to restore macroeconomic stability, strengthen fiscal discipline, and promote inclusive and job-creating economic growth.
The advisory group will support the implementation of key government programmes such as the 24-Hour Economy, the Accelerated Export Development Programme, and the Reset Agenda.
According to the statement, PAGE has been formed to provide independent, non-partisan and expert advice to the President on major economic issues.
It said the group will draw on both national and international experience to ensure sound economic management and evidence-based decision-making.
“The establishment of PAGE reflects the President’s resolve to draw on deep national and international expertise to support sound economic governance and strategic policy coordination,” the statement noted.
The Presidency explained that the group will advise the President on macroeconomic management, fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability, and how to ensure harmony between fiscal and monetary policies.
It will also provide guidance on industrial development, competitiveness, export growth, private sector expansion, investment mobilisation, and sustainable job creation.
In addition, PAGE will support the planning and implementation of the 24-Hour Economy and the Accelerated Export Development Programme.
It will also conduct regular reviews of Ghana’s economic performance and propose policy changes where necessary.
The group is expected to contribute to Ghana’s engagements with international financial institutions, development partners, and investors.
“The group shall report directly to the President and submit advisory memoranda and briefs as and when requested,” the statement said.
Membership of the advisory group includes respected personalities from academia, public service, and the private sector.
They are: Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, private sector leader, Mr. Kwame Pianim, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Nana Oye Mansa Yeboaa, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Trade and Industry, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana and former Finance Minister, Sir Samuel Esson Jonah, industrialist, Mr. Ato Brown, former World Bank infrastructure specialist,”.
The rest are, Dr. Henry A. Kofi Wampah, former Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Togbe Afede XIV, economist and private sector leader, Ms. Abena Amoah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Stock Exchange, Prof. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour, university professor and Prof. Patience Aseweh Abor, PhD, university professor.
The statement added that formation of PAGE shows the President’s strong commitment to inclusive growth, economic stability, and long-term national development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang commends local government ministry for progress in decentralisation
Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has praised the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for its key role in bringing governance closer to the people through decentralisation.
She made this known after she visited the Ministry to engage with its leadership and staff.
According to her, the visit was to better understand the progress being made in responsive governance and effective service delivery across the country.
“The Ministry is truly at the heart of government, especially as we work to reset the decentralisation agenda and strengthen our institutions,” she said.
During the meeting, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, briefed the Vice President on several achievements since he took office.
He said the Ministry had successfully organised orientation programmes for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and had issued clear guidelines on how the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should be used.
He also spoke about the National Decentralisation Dialogue, which he described as an important platform that allows stakeholders to contribute ideas toward the future of Ghana’s decentralisation process.
Ahmed Ibrahim further noted that the Ministry has strengthened its relationship with traditional authorities.
He said engagement with chiefs and queen mothers has increased significantly, adding that the government has approved about a 300 percent increase in allowances for paramount chiefs and queen mothers.
According to him, this move shows government’s recognition of the important role traditional leaders play in promoting unity, development, and local governance.
The Minister announced the launch of National Sanitation Day work plans.
He explained that this forms part of preparations to roll out a 24-hour sanitation programme aimed at improving hygiene and sanitation across the country.
He added that there is renewed confidence among investors and development partners because of the growing stability and clear direction under the current administration.
In her remarks, the Vice President stressed that decentralisation must be used to improve the daily lives of Ghanaians.
She said social governance is key to maintaining peace and national stability.
She commended the Ministry for its efforts to ensure that public funds, especially the DACF, are used for their intended purposes.
“I appreciate the steps being taken to ensure accountability and that these funds truly benefit the people,” she stated.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the engagement was not only to encourage the Ministry but also to listen, support, and strengthen cooperation in delivering better results for communities.
She reminded all stakeholders that governance is a shared responsibility.
“Government does not work alone. We must continue to treat every stakeholder, at every level, with the respect they deserve,” she said.
By: Jacob Aggrey
