The founding CEO of the Chief Executives (CEO) Network Ghana, Ernest De-Graft Egyir, has emphasised the need for a national development policy to drive economic growth.

According to him, Ghana’s political manifestos should evolve beyond partisan promises into a unified national development framework that transcends electoral cycles.

He made these remarks at the maiden edition of the Ghana CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner held at the Mövenpick Hotel Accra on Thursday, November 7.

The event, themed “Reigniting the Business Economy and Social Contract for Growth: A Business Manifesto for Political Accountability and Sustainable Development,” was attended by prominent figures, including Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, CEOs, heads of state, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers from across West Africa and beyond.

Mr Egyir advocated for a cohesive, long-term vision that aligns with the aspirations of businesses, communities, and future generations, stressing that political transitions should not disrupt progress.

“Instead, they should build upon a shared foundation that ensures continuity, accountability, and sustainable development.

“This is why I urge all of us here—CEOs, policymakers, and stakeholders—to champion the establishment of a National Development Framework. Let us insist on tying political manifestos to this framework, so we can move forward as a nation with purpose and unity,” he said. 

In light of this, Mr Egyir outlined five key strategies aimed at strengthening business governance and accelerating Ghana’s economic development.

He mentioned the establishment of a permanent business advisory council to provide structured policy feedback to the government, serving as a bridge between the private sector and political leadership to ensure that the business perspective remains central to policymaking.

He also emphasised the need for regulatory reform, stating that Ghana’s regulatory environment requires a comprehensive overhaul to simplify processes, reduce bureaucratic barriers, attract investment, and empower local enterprises.

Mr Egyir further highlighted the importance of fostering political accountability through transparent governance mechanisms, stating, “Transparent governance is non-negotiable. We must institutionalise mechanisms that hold political leaders accountable, ensuring that campaign promises translate into tangible results. Regular public-private dialogues will help assess the impact of government policies on businesses.”

Additionally, he advocated for bolstering Ghana’s digital economy ecosystem, noting that technology is essential for remaining competitive in the global market.

“The digital economy is not just an enabler—it is the cornerstone of modern business growth.”

He called for significant investment in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and workforce development to fully capitalise on the digital economy's potential.

Mr Egyir underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, emphasising that leveraging data is critical for responding to economic challenges and seizing emerging opportunities.

He described the inaugural Ghana CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner as a catalyst for transformative change, positioning business leaders as pivotal to shaping the national conversation and holding political leaders accountable.

“But this is a collective responsibility. Tonight, let us commit to being active participants in the governance of our nation. Let us champion policies that prioritize growth, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Together, we can create a Ghana where businesses thrive, governance is transparent, and the economy works for everyone,” Mr Egyir said.