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Daniel Duku calls for ethical leadership systems to strengthen Ghana’s institutions
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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 Ministry of the Interior has condemned the assault of an arrested person while in police custody and has directed the Inspector-General of Police to launch a full investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said it noted with concern that the assault followed public statements linked to a religious dispute, including calls for violence against persons considered to have offended religious sensibilities.
“The Ministry unequivocally condemns all such statements, as there is no justification for inciting violence against Christians, Muslims, or any other person on the basis of religion,” the statement said.
The Ministry stressed that regardless of the allegation against a suspect, no one has the right to assault a person in police custody.
“An arrested person is in custody of the State and is entitled to the protection of the law,” the statement noted.
It also expressed serious concern over how civilians gained access to the person in custody.
The Minister, Muntaka Mubarak has directed the IGP to take three immediate actions
They are to identify how civilians accessed the arrested person and determine if any police personnel facilitated, permitted or acquiesced, adding that officers found culpable will face disciplinary action.
Additionally take immediate steps to identify, arrest and investigate the civilian persons who carried out the assault, in accordance with the law.
And finally investigate the conduct of all supervising officers responsible for custody and supervision, and apply disciplinary sanctions where necessary.
The Minister further directed the Police to deal with all persons arrested in connection with the preceding incidents “strictly in accordance with the law and without fear or favour.”
The Ministry reiterated that religious incitement, religious violence and the unlawful assault of persons in custody have no place in Ghana.
“No religious belief, personal grievance or other consideration places anyone above the law,” the statement emphasized.
It reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the rights of persons in custody and promoting peaceful coexistence among citizens of all faiths and backgrounds.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Government of Ghana has stated that it fully funded the evacuation of more than 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, said Ghana did not seek financial or material support from the South African Government to bring the affected Ghanaians back home.
The Ministry was responding to media reports that South Africa was seeking about $18 million in reimbursement from some African countries for costs incurred in supporting and evacuating their nationals.
It explained that all costs related to the evacuation of Ghanaians were covered by the Government of Ghana and Ghanaian partners.
According to the Ministry, more than 1,600 Ghanaians have been evacuated from South Africa since May 2026, with the exercise still ongoing.
It said the evacuees are also provided with reintegration funds, transport fares and other relief items after arriving in Ghana to help them settle back into the country.
The Ministry assured Ghanaians that the country would not be included among those being asked by South Africa to reimburse the cost of repatriating foreign nationals.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.
The Ministry said the government would continue to take timely action whenever the safety and security of Ghanaians outside the country were at risk.
It expressed gratitude to President John Mahama and Ghanaian partners for supporting the fully Ghanaian-funded evacuation exercise.
By: Jacob Aggrey
