The Human Resources Director of Telecel Ghana, Rachael Appenteng, has challenged HR practitioners to move beyond transactional responsibilities and develop the commercial, digital and analytical capabilities required to influence decisions at the highest levels of their organisation.

Speaking during a leadership fireside chat and as speed coach at this year’s HR Connect Conference on the theme ‘From Certification to Competence: Why Elevating HR is Critical for Business Growth and Competitive Advantage,’ Ms Appenteng said the future of HR will belong to professionals who can translate people issues into business outcomes.

“As HR practitioners, it is essential that we understand how our organisations make money, how technology is reshaping work and how workforce decisions affect performance. That requires commercial acumen, digital adaptability and the confidence to use data to influence executive decisions to advance the business.”

Organised by HR Network Africa, the two-day conference brought together HR practitioners and business leaders for masterclasses, an HR Battle Pitch, the CEO’s Fireside Chat, and the C-Suite Connect track.

Ms Appenteng also pointed out that HR professionals must go beyond developing people expertise to cultivate the distinguishing capability of translating workforce dynamics into business outcomes by connecting all the pillars relevant to the business’ success.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, also challenged HR practitioners to bring integrity to the workplace and to champion the function as a foundation for effective leadership.

He highlighted that a strong, ethical corporate culture is vital for Ghana's long-term business and national economic growth.

Other speakers at the HR Connect Conference included Dr Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chairman of the Public Services Commission, Cynthia Mawulawoe Kodowu, Founder and Executive Director of HR Network Africa, Dr Ellen Hagan of L’AINE HR and Margaret Jackson of Rainbow Consult.

Themes explored in other sessions included succession planning, diversity and inclusion, building belonging in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as mining, creating cultures that attract younger generations of talent, and using data and timing to secure executive buy-in.