The maiden edition of the Ghana CEO-Presidential Gala Dinner 2024 was officially launched in Accra on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

The event, held under the theme “Reigniting the Business Economy and Social Contract for Growth: A Business Manifesto for Political Accountability and Sustainable Development,” aims to foster dialogue between business leaders and political stakeholders to shape Ghana’s economic future.

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

The dinner seeks to promote government-business collaboration, focusing on practical solutions that enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term development.

Speaking at the launch, Founding CEO of Chief Executives Network Ghana, Ernest De-Graft Egyir, emphasised Ghana's untapped economic potential despite challenges such as economic instability and the need for greater political transparency.

He highlighted the importance of fostering trust and accountability between the private sector and political leadership to create sustainable development.

“This event is not just a gathering—it is a platform for genuine change, where our country’s business and political elites will commit to a future driven by sustainable growth and economic inclusiveness,” he said.

He said a key feature of the Gala Dinner 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.

Mr Egyir also acknowledged the need to address environmental challenges caused by illegal mining (galamsey), noting that the Gala will push for commitments to end illegal mining practices, promoting environmental sustainability for future generations.

He noted that former President John Dramani Mahama will deliver a speech titled “Reigniting Political and Business Collaboration: A Manifesto for Economic Growth, Accountability, and Sustainable Development,” sharing insights from past policies and strategies for fostering private sector growth.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will also speak on “Reigniting the Business Economy: A Manifesto for Innovation, Accountability, and Sustainable Development,” focusing on the role of technology in building economic resilience.

Mr Egyir urged business leaders to attend the Gala, stressing that it offers a unique opportunity for CEOs to influence national policies and establish lasting partnerships with political leaders.

“Your presence at the Gala will ensure that your voices and priorities are heard at the highest levels of government,” he stated.

He further stressed that collaboration between the private sector and political leadership is essential for building a transparent governance system where businesses can thrive.

Also speaking at the event, the CEO of Margins Group, Moses Baiden Jnr, described the Gala as more than just a gathering, referring to it as a “beacon of progress” that will lay the foundation for a business environment built on trust, transparency, and collaboration.

“We are not here to merely observe the nation’s development from the sidelines. We are here to actively shape it—to ensure that the private sector is seen not just as an engine of growth but as an essential partner in governance,” he said.

He urged CEOs to step forward and take a leading role, ensuring that the private sector is recognised not only as an engine for economic growth but as a critical partner in governance.

According to Mr Baiden Jr, the Gala is not just an event but a movement for change and invited all CEOs to join this historic dialogue, engage with political leaders, and help build a future where Ghana’s economic and political systems work hand in hand to ensure prosperity for all.

Lead Tax Partner of Deloitte, George Ankomah, in a keynote address read on behalf of Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, Country Managing Partner of Deloitte Ghana, emphasised that businesses must actively participate in shaping the nation’s political and economic direction.

“Indeed, the private sector would continue to remain the engine of growth of every economy. As a result of the important role businesses play in the economy, they must be given greater platform to dialogue and offer solutions to stimulate the direction of the economy.

“The CEO-Presidential Manifesto Gala Dinner 2024 thus provides a platform for business leaders to ponder their expanded role in society in shaping Ghana's future amidst such a crucial time,” he said.

He framed the Gala Dinner as an opportunity for business leaders to reconsider their role in shaping Ghana's future amidst critical national and global challenges.

As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, Mr Owusu reminded business leaders that while the choices made at the ballot box will set the nation’s direction, the decisions made in boardrooms and at the grassroots level will determine the speed and quality of the journey ahead.

“We must forge a legacy that transcends business achievement and embody the true spirit of leadership for national development,” he stated.

Mr Owusu called on both business and political leaders to align their efforts for sustainable growth, noting that although the manifestos of political parties provide glimpses into the future, it is through collaborative actions that Ghana’s prosperity will be realised.

The maiden edition of the Ghana CEO-Presidential Gala Dinner, a unique and exclusive corporate night of splendor, will take place on November 7, 2024, at the Mövenpick Hotel Accra from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The event promises to be a turning point—a moment where CEOs and political figures come together to align policies, create opportunities, and ensure sustainable development for all Ghanaians.