By Dominic Osei Asibbey BOACHIE
Let’s be honest—technology is moving faster than most of us can comfortably keep up with.
One moment, we’re trying to figure out mobile payments, and the next, we’re hearing about AI bots writing code and blockchain transforming agriculture. For Ghanaian business leaders, this isn’t just background noise.
These shifts are rewriting how companies operate, how customers behave, and how value is created.
Whether you’re running a cocoa processing firm in Takoradi, a fintech start-up in East Legon, or a family-owned business in Tamale, one thing is clear: the way forward is digital.
But the journey isn’t just about buying the latest software or copying trends from Silicon Valley. It’s about understanding how technology can work for us—on our terms, in our markets, for our people.
The following key leadership tips can serve as a guide to help business leaders in Ghana find success with technology:
Digital isn’t just for tech companies anymore
We used to think digital transformation was for banks or tech start-ups. That’s no longer true. Today, even a farm cooperative or a retail chain must think digitally—whether it’s using mobile tools to track supply chains or cloud software to manage sales.
Ghana is moving quickly—mobile money has changed how people pay, and digital platforms are changing how we work and learn. The leaders who thrive are those who treat digital strategy not as an IT issue, but as a core part of their business thinking.
Leadership Tip: Don’t outsource your digital vision. Own it. Build it into your company culture. Ask yourself: “How can technology make us serve our customers better tomorrow than we do today?”
AI is not the future. it’s already here
You may not realize it, but you’ve probably interacted with AI this week—maybe through a chatbot on a bank’s website or via predictive text on your phone. For businesses, AI can help predict demand, personalize customer experiences, and automate routine tasks.
But AI also raises a deeper question for leaders: how do we prepare our people for this shift? Do we train them? Redeploy them? Will AI replace jobs—or create new ones?
In Ghana, this is especially crucial. We have a young workforce eager to learn, but we need to guide them towards the skills of tomorrow.
Leadership Tip: Start small. Try AI in customer support or data analysis. And invest in learning—when your people grow, so does your business.
If you’re not thinking about cybersecurity, you’re already at risk
A few months ago, a local SME suffered a cyberattack that shut down its online store for days. They lost money—and trust. It’s a warning sign for all of us.
Digital brings speed and efficiency—but also vulnerability. If your systems aren’t protected, you’re exposed. And with data breaches becoming more common, customers want to know their information is safe.
Leadership Tip: Cybersecurity isn’t an IT issue—it’s a leadership responsibility. Ask the tough questions: Are we protected? Who has access to our data? What’s our plan if we’re attacked?
Sustainability: Tech’s Secret Superpower
The global conversation on climate change isn’t just for policymakers. More consumers and investors are rewarding companies that take sustainability seriously. Technology can help—whether it’s through solar-powered operations, digital tools to reduce waste, or smarter transport logistics.
In Ghana, where energy reliability is still a challenge, going green isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about business continuity.
Leadership Tip: Use technology to go green. Not only will you save costs over time, but you’ll also build brand trust and attract forward-looking partners.
Think Pan-African, Act Local
Ghana’s start-up scene is buzzing—from fintech innovations to aggrotech solutions. But we need to stop thinking small. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers a unique chance to scale across borders. The next generation of success stories won’t stop at Kumasi—they’ll reach Lagos, Nairobi, and beyond.
To get there, we need systems that are interoperable, culturally aware, and scalable.
Leadership Tip: Build for Africa, not just Ghana. Ask: “Can my solution serve a farmer in Uganda? A retailer in Kenya?” If yes, you’re on to something big.
Data Is the New Gold—But Only If You Know How to Use It
Every time a customer interacts with your brand, they leave clues—about what they like, what they want, and what they expect. But many businesses still run on guesswork instead of insight.
Data doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be as simple as tracking your most popular products or identifying customer drop-off points online.
Leadership Tip: Get curious about your data. Start by asking: “What do we wish we knew about our business—but don’t?” Then use tech to fill in the gaps.
Final Thought: Technology Is Just a Tool—Leadership Is the Game Changer
At its heart, technology is just that—a tool. What truly makes the difference is leadership. The courage to take risks. The humility to learn. The wisdom to know when to pivot.
In Ghana, we’re not short on ambition or talent. What we need is a bold vision from our business leaders—a vision that sees technology not as a threat, but as a bridge to the future.
Let’s build that future. Together.
Dominic Osei Asibbey Boachie is a seasoned IT strategy and governance executive with over three decades of experience leading technology transformation across the UK and Ghana.
