Ghana’s Business Leaders Advocate for Unified National Development Framework to Drive Sustainable Growth

Ghana’s business leaders are urging a shift towards a unified, long-term development vision that can transcend political cycles and support sustainable economic growth.

At the first-ever Ghana CEO-Presidential Gala Dinner, Ernest De-Graft Egyir, CEO of the Chief Executives Network Ghana, rallied CEOs, policymakers, and stakeholders to back a National Development Framework.

Delivering a speech on the theme “Reigniting the Business Economy and Social Contract for Growth: A Business Manifesto for Political Accountability and Sustainable Development,” Mr De-Graft Egyir emphasized continuity and collaboration as key to Ghana’s economic future.

“Ghana needs a cohesive, far-sighted strategy that aligns with the aspirations of businesses, communities, and future generations,” Mr. De-Graft Egyir stated, adding that political changes should bolster and not disrupt progress.

He argued that a framework tying political manifestos to national priorities would foster a more predictable and stable environment for business investment, contributing to sustainable development.

To translate this vision into actionable steps, Mr. De-Graft Egyir outlined five critical strategies. Chief among them was establishing a Permanent Business Advisory Council to ensure consistent policy dialogue between the government and private sector.

This council, he suggested, would be a key mechanism for integrating business insights into national policy, allowing leaders to craft regulations that reflect economic realities.

The second recommendation focused on overhauling Ghana’s business regulatory environment. Mr. De-Graft Egyir underscored that bureaucratic bottlenecks continue to deter investment and limit the agility of domestic enterprises.

Simplified processes and a streamlined regulatory framework, he argued, would spur local innovation and make Ghana a more attractive destination for foreign investment.

Speaking further and touching on the third strategy, he noted that establishing governance mechanisms that hold leaders accountable for delivering on campaign promises, provides a structured way to ensure continuity of development programs.

The fourth pillar of his strategy was strengthening Ghana’s digital economy ecosystem. Mr. De-Graft Egyir called for substantial investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce development, viewing the digital economy as a fundamental driver of modern growth.

Finally, he stressed the importance of evidence-based policymaking, underpinned by robust data collection and research. Asserting that with data-driven decisions, Ghana could better adapt to global economic shifts and seize emerging opportunities.

As Ghana seeks sustainable development, Mr. De-Graft Egyir’s call for a unified, long-term development framework underscores the need for a cooperative approach – between Government and business leaders – that aligns business goals with national progress, ensuring resilience amid an evolving global economy.