“It will happen because we choose to stand up, engage, and demand more from ourselves and those in leadership,” Mr Baiden stated at the launch of the “1st Ghana CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner” in Accra.

A beacon of progress and call to action

Baiden described the Gala Dinner as a beacon of progress, a call to action, and a defining moment for Ghana’s business and political landscape.

He stressed that the event provides business leaders with a unique opportunity to voice their concerns and collaborate closely with political leadership to chart a course towards sustainable economic progress.

Engaging directly with political leadership

According to Baiden, the Gala presents a unique opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with the nation’s political leadership at the highest level.

He emphasized that this is a bold step toward building a future where business thrives alongside good governance.

Setting the agenda for a collaborative future

Mr Baiden highlighted that this gathering is more than just a platform to be heard—it’s about setting the agenda for a future built on partnership.

The business community plans to challenge political leaders to deliver on their promises, foster an environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, and ensure Ghana remains a hub of opportunity for future generations.

Strategic recommendations for sustainable growth

Baiden noted that sustainable development is achieved through collaboration, action, and accountability.
He highlighted Ghana’s incredible potential, not only in resources like gold, oil, and cocoa but in its people, entrepreneurs, and capacity for innovation.

“We need a governance system that aligns with this potential, removes barriers to growth, and empowers our businesses to compete on the global stage,” Mr Baiden stressed.

He outlined several strategic recommendations, including the establishment of a Permanent Business Advisory Council to drive policy reform, the overhaul of the regulatory environment, the strengthening of the digital economy, and the prioritization of evidence-based policymaking.

These, he noted, are essential building blocks for a future where Ghana’s economy is strong, resilient, and inclusive.

A platform for change and accountability

Baiden described the Gala as not just an event but a movement—a platform where the business community and political leadership can come together to forge a new path toward economic progress and political accountability.

Reigniting the business economy for growth

Touching on the theme of the event, “Reigniting the Business Economy and Social Contract for Growth: A Business Manifesto for Political Accountability and Sustainable Development,” Mr Baiden emphasized the urgent need for business leaders to participate in shaping policies that drive economic growth and ensure political transparency.

Commitments for a prosperous future

He stated that the commitments emerging from this platform—whether through the Social Contract Signing or the promotion of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)—would be vital in creating an enabling environment for businesses and securing Ghana’s future.
He urged business leaders to take up the mantle of leadership and actively participate in this historic dialogue.

Emphasizing economic potential and accountability

Ernest De-Graft Egyir, Founding CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana, echoed these sentiments, stressing Ghana’s untapped economic potential despite challenges such as economic instability and the need for greater political transparency.

Egyir noted that a key feature of the Gala will be the signing of a social contract by the flagbearers of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), where they will publicly commit to good governance and economic collaboration.

A Call for Collaboration

George Ankomah, Lead Tax Partner of Deloitte, in a keynote address on behalf of Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, urged both business and political leaders to align their efforts for sustainable growth.

He emphasized that while political manifestos offer glimpses into the future, collaborative action between the private sector and political leadership is key to realizing Ghana’s prosperity.

Gala as a platform for future growth

The Gala, organized by the Chief Executives Network Ghana in collaboration with Deloitte, PwC, the University of Ghana, UPSA Law School, and the Multimedia Group, will serve as a platform for CEOs and political leaders to align strategies for economic growth and social responsibility beyond 2025.