Accra: The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged business leaders both in public and private sectors to remain ethical as they pursue economic interests and strive to transform society. Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders' Conclave at the University of Professional Studies, Accra on Friday, he noted that leadership in all spheres must be guided by integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
According to Ghana News Agency, sustainable business is built on trust, innovation, technology, creativity, and bold leadership. Otumfuo emphasized that a leader without ethics may achieve temporary success but will never build a lasting institution. The Ghana Business Leaders' Conclave, convened by Otumfuo Osei Tutu, aimed to bridge traditional wisdom and contemporary business strategy, focusing on the long-term viability of the Ghanaian corporate landscape. It was themed 'Leading with Integrity: Negotiation, Mediation and Ethical Governance for Business Sustainability.'
Emphasising key pillars of leadership, the King urged political leaders to create the right environment and policy framework for economic and social stability. He stated that true national progress is measured by the state of the economy, emphasizing the need for Ghana to transition from political rhetoric to actual production and enterprise.
The Asantehene expressed concerns regarding overindulgence in partisan politics and called on citizens, entrepreneurs, professionals, and institutions to innovate, create jobs, and add value to the country's natural resources. He highlighted the importance of trust in sustaining societies, noting that while democracy changes governments, trust is vital for societal stability.
He further stated that the upcoming decade should focus on business, directing energies towards building a strong, resilient, ethical, and sustainable economy. The traditional ruler expressed confidence in emerging leaders' commitment to ethical practices and the right manner of achieving outcomes.
Otumfuo warned against cutting corners in business, noting that honesty must be ingrained in decision-making processes. He advised that leadership should not assume wisdom is confined to a single individual, emphasizing the importance of respectful relations among colleagues, boards, staff, and customers for sustainable business creation.
The UPSA Alumnus praised the University as a symbol of Ghanaian entrepreneurship, professionalism, and scholarship, advising students to remain ambitious yet principled. He encouraged skepticism towards wealth, power, and success if they lack ethical foundations.
The conclave underscored Ghana's openness for business, but also the necessity of integrity within business practices. Management of the University announced plans for the Business Conclave to serve as an annual forum for emerging business leaders and industry captains to build enduring leadership.
Source: Ghana News Agency