By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Ghana CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner 2024, aiming to reset the partnership between business and political leadership through a renewed social contract – based on trust, accountability and a shared vision – has been launched in Accra.
The event, scheduled for November 7, 2024, is under the theme ‘Reigniting the business economy and social contract for growth: a business manifesto for political accountability and sustainable development’.
Founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Chief Executives Network Ghana, Ernest De-Graft Egyir – while speaking at the CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner 2024 media launch – said the event’s maiden edition will serve as a platform for genuine change, where the country’s business and political elites will commit to a future driven by sustainable growth and economic inclusiveness.
“On November 7, 2024 we will witness a groundbreaking moment in our country’s history – a dialogue between Ghana’s top business leaders and political figures designed to foster collaboration, drive accountability and chart a path toward sustainable growth,” he added.
Key highlights of the Gala Dinner
Also, he mentioned the following as key features of the event: a social contract signing; a pact to end the galamsey menace; and special guest addresses.
“A key feature of the evening will be the social contract signing by NDC and NPP flagbearers. This is more than symbolic – it represents a public commitment to transparency, good governance and fostering an enabling environment for business.
“We cannot overlook the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining. At the Gala we will advocate for a strong pact to end galamsey, with a focus on protecting our environment for future generations.
“Former President John Dramani Mahama will speak on the topic ‘Reigniting political and business collaboration: a manifesto for economic growth, accountability and sustainable development’, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia speaks on the topic ‘Reigniting the business economy: a manifesto for innovation, accountability and sustainable development’.
Why CEOs should attend
Furthermore, he encouraged all CEOs to attend the event – as it offers a unique opportunity for them to engage directly with political heavyweights.
“It is a chance to not only influence the national conversation but also form lasting partnerships that can drive Ghana’s economic progress. Your presence at the Gala will ensure your voices and priorities are heard at the highest levels of government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Country Managing Partner-Deloitte Ghana, Daniel Kwadwo Owus in a keynote speech at the event said the Gala Dinner provides a platform for business leaders to ponder their expanded role in society for shaping the country’s future in an era of a rapidly changing global and domestic environments.
He added that it is coming at a very crucial time in our history, as businesses evaluate the manifesto promises of political parties and their impact on the nation’s economy as presidential and parliamentary elections draw closer.
“Our dream is to have a leader who will not only implement measures that will deepen the business environment and make it more friendly, but also ensure a stable macroeconomic economy for some considerable time – particularly regarding inflation and foreign exchang rates,” he also said.
Moreover, CEO-Margins ID Group, Mr. Moses Kwesi Baiden Jnr, in remarks at the event said the Gala Dinner is more than just an event – it is a symbol of progress, a call to action and a defining moment for the country’s business and political landscape.
“It provides us with a unique opportunity to voice our concerns and collaborate closely with our political leadership in charting a course toward sustainable economic progress,” he added.
