Ghanaian Leaders and Professional Bodies Call for Enhanced Competence, Ethical Standards, and Gender Inclusivity

In a series of nationwide engagements focused on professional growth and national development, Ghanaian leaders and industry experts have issued a collective call for enhanced competence, ethical reporting, and gender inclusivity across several key sectors. From the high-level HR Connect Conference in Accra to media graduations in Techiman and regional accounting inaugurations in Tamale, the consensus among stakeholders is that the national workforce must transition from mere certification to practical, strategic competence. These developments highlight a growing urgency to align professional training with the evolving demands of the global business environment and the principles of good governance.

At the 2026 HR Connect Conference in Accra, held under the theme ‐From Certification to Competence,‑ Minister Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo joined industry veterans to challenge human resource practitioners to redefine their roles within the corporate hierarchy. Addressing concerns that HR professionals are often excluded from key business decisions due to a perceived lack of strategic depth, experts including Dr. Ellen Hagan and Cynthia Mawulawoe Kodowu emphasized the necessity of developing analytical and leadership skills. Minister Pelpuo specifically urged practitioners to champion workplace integrity, arguing that sustainable business growth is impossible without a firm commitment to ethical practices and value creation.

This push for professional excellence was echoed in the media and financial sectors, where ethical standards and representation remain critical issues. In Techiman, Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi addressed the second graduation of A ONE Media College, tasking new journalists with upholding the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) Code of Conduct to maintain public trust. Simultaneously, in Tamale, the Association of Women Accountants, Ghana (AWAG) inaugurated its Northern Regional Chapter to tackle the stark gender imbalance in the accounting profession. AWAG National President Akua Bonsu-Owu revealed that women constitute only 20% of chartered accountants in Ghana, prompting a call for aspiring female professionals to leverage mentorship and technology to bridge this gap.

Together, these initiatives underscore a multi-sectoral commitment to refining the quality of professional education and practice in Ghana. By prioritizing mentorship, technology, and strict adherence to ethical standards, leaders across these fields aim to foster a new generation of professionals capable of driving national progress. As regional chapters like AWAG’s Northern branch begin their operations and new graduates enter the media landscape, the focus shifts to the practical application of these skills to ensure transparency, accountability, and economic resilience across the country.