The 12th edition of the HR Focus Conference was held on October 10th, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre and has been hailed as a resounding success.

Over 600+ top-tier HR professionals and business leaders were in attendance from key HR organizations, to discuss the theme: “Reinventing HR Management for a globally thriving workforce”

In an address during the Telecel HR Forum at the HR Focus Conference 2024. Mr James Laar, the MD of L’AINE HR, called for a reinvention of realistic wages to reflect the Living Wage Reports in Ghana, to alleviate the plight of the Ghanaian Workforce.

The keynote speaker in the person of Mr. Brent Nartey – MD of Engen Ghana; and he spoke on strategies for charting new paths in people management.

He said, “HR Professionals need to move away from HR Management to HR Leadership, as AI will take over many roles of management – but it cannot provide leadership,”

He went on to explain, “HR Leadership is about building trust, inspiration, passion, authenticity, emotion and bringing change, and as HR Professionals, this is your charge to contribute success in your organisations”

The first panel discussion covered the topic, ‘Strategies for Charting New Paths in People Management, and esteemed speakers paved the way for an engaging discussion and open Forum’.

Samuel Teye, Head of People and Culture mentioned, “Today’s working world has employees contributing to how they want their work environment to be, and as such HR serves as a liaison, meeting employees’ expectations.”

Mercy Amoah, VIVO Energy’s HR Manager, encouraged other practitioners to “create a competitive environment that will churn out more ideas and innovation for the good of the organisation”

Iris Owusu-Manu; HR Manager at Telecel Ghana said: “Agile working has been put in place for the staff, and it is for their benefit. The HR Professionals need to keep their side of the bargain and watch the checks and balances of agile working.”

The event also included an exciting addition: a live stage play of a typical work setting, speaking to the issues that organisations face, when trying to build their people’s capability.

The short skit paved the way for a conversation on the topic. Other speakers who spoke on: “Building Human Capability in a VUCA/BANI global workspace” included: Georgina Bartels, HR at Newmont Ghana, James Laar, MD – L’AINE HR, Auguste Ngomo HR Director at Africa Free Trade continental area, and Fatoumata Doro, former MD of Vlisco.

They emphasized the importance of Emotional intelligence in leadership, Continuous learning and development, Tailored retention strategies, Understanding individual employee aspirations, and Fostering genuine human connections.

Ewurabena Neequaye, Head of HR Focus, expressed gratitude to sponsors and the planning committee, urging attendees to implement the gained insights and participate in future events, including the HR Focus Awards 2025.

The conference reinforced the community spirit among participants, with attendees pledging to prioritize capacity building as an investment and cultivate supportive work environments.

It was sponsored by: EBID, Telecel Ghana, Samara Group, HumanManager, Newmont, Jospong Group, OFI, Adjuma Workforce, Stanbic Bank, UGMC, Hollard, Toyota, Donewell Insurance, FuelTrade Limited, Acacia, The Bank Hospital, Mohinani, Apex Health, Cambridge Center of Excellence, Vaal Real Estate.