The Founding CEO of Chief Executives (CEO) Network Ghana and Ghana CEO Summit, Ernest De-Graft Egyir, has emphasised that the eighth edition of the Ghana CEO Summit will stand as a beacon of inspiration and innovation for the entire West African region.

The 8th Ghana CEO Summit, poised to be an unparalleled gathering of business leaders, visionaries, and policymakers from across West Africa and beyond, is set to shape the trajectory of business leadership and economic development across the region.

Under the theme "Reigniting Business and Economic Growth; Charting a Path Forward," the event is scheduled at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel in Accra on May 27, 2024.

Speaking at the event's press launch, Mr Egyir stated that the summit will delve into the pressing challenges and opportunities facing Ghana's evolving business landscape.

He emphasised that with Economic Diversification and Artificial Intelligence Transformation at center stage, the event will highlight the imperative for resilience, innovation, and collaborative efforts in driving sustainable growth.

"With a keen focus on Economic Diversification and Artificial Intelligence Transformation, we aim to ignite discussions that will drive tangible progress and foster sustainable growth in our economies," he said.

Mr Egyir highlighted the pressing need to address complex challenges faced by corporations, governments, and societies, noting that resilience, innovation, and economic diversification are key pillars that will help chart a path forward.

He further added, "The transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various industries will be explored, alongside the necessity of ensuring its benefits are inclusive while navigating regulatory and ethical considerations.

"Furthermore, we will discuss the intersection of AI with other emerging technologies such as 5G/6G, quantum computing, and biotechnology. This underscores the need for forward-thinking approaches to prepare for the future and harness the full potential of technological advancements."

Mr Egyir outlined that the summit's agenda will offer a rich tapestry of sessions and dialogues catering to the interests and concerns of esteemed attendees.

The day's discussions will commence with an opening plenary session that will set the tone for subsequent deliberations, followed by a Presidential Plenary Session featuring Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia and former President John Dramani Mahama as special guests.

These sessions will delve into key topics such as private sector development and strategies for sustainable economic growth.

"Our CEO-led plenary sessions will explore transformative topics such as radically transforming businesses into African Multinational companies and revitalising state-owned enterprises through economic diversification and AI transformation, providing ample opportunities for insightful exchanges and actionable insights," he remarked.

The Founding CEO of Chief Executives (CEO) Network Ghana added that the 8th Ghana CEO Summit will delve into industry-specific outlooks, including the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on manufacturing and the role of CEOs in navigating this evolving landscape.

"We will also explore the perspectives of African CEOs on emerging technologies like generative AI and their implications for business performance, drawing insights from PwC's 27th Annual Global CEO Survey," he said.

Mr Egyir noted that the summit will highlight the CEO Excellence Award-Honors, where CEOs and businesses will be celebrated for their exemplary achievements, showcasing their innovation, leadership, and contributions to Ghana's economic landscape.

He acknowledged the milestone the Ghana CEO Summit has achieved since its inception in 2016, convening over 2,000 CEOs and dignitaries from diverse countries and sectors.

"Our summit has earned a reputation as a thought leadership platform, attracting renowned speakers and experts from diverse sectors, including government, academia, and the private sector," the founding CEO of Chief Executives (CEO) Network Ghana said.

"Notable attendees have included figures such as H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, H.E. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and former President John Dramani Mahama, facilitating invaluable dialogues and catalyzing actionable solutions for economic development."

Mr Egyir reiterated that the 8th Ghana CEO Summit promises to be a transformative experience, offering unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.

He said that Ghana and the entire West African region can chart a path forward towards a future defined by prosperity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

He extended gratitude to esteemed partners and sponsors, including Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the Ministry of Public Enterprises, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), The Multimedia Group, Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Media Partners, for their unwavering support and instrumental role in making the summit a reality.