By Idris Ibn Mohammed
The Government of Ghana, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), successfully held the Executive Leadership Programme (ELP) from April 23 to 26, 2025, in Ada. This initiative followed Ghana’s recent democratic transition and the formation of a new Cabinet, under the theme: “Re-imagining Leadership in a ‘Reset’ Ghana.”
The programme aimed to renew public leadership, enhance responsive governance, and drive transformational change across the nation. It brought together senior government officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, senior advisors, and private sector representatives, alongside national and international resource persons.
President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the necessity for innovative leadership to tackle Ghana’s multifaceted challenges, stating, “We must lead differently, think differently, and act differently, as the true measure of our success is the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.”
The ELP provided a collaborative environment for ministers to engage with real-world scenarios and explore leadership principles focused on empathy and systems thinking. It featured four thematic modules: Leading in a New World of Accelerated Change, Leading Systems in a VUCA World, Leading Self and Others, and Leading to Deliver Results.
H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria, highlighted the importance of focused leadership and educational investment for meaningful change, reinforcing the programme’s commitment to nurturing future leaders.
Special sessions showcased Ghana’s strides in empowering women in leadership, fostering partnerships between development partners and the government. This collaborative approach aims to address significant socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment and climate vulnerability, while reinforcing Ghana’s status as a model of democratic governance.
UNDP’s Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, remarked, “Our collective aspiration is that this collaborative programme will serve as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable development.”
The ELP marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s governance journey, setting the stage for deeper institutional transformation. Both UNDP and the Government of Ghana are committed to sustaining the momentum generated by the programme, ensuring its outcomes align with strategic governance priorities.
As Ghana enters a new era of leadership, the Executive Leadership Programme has solidified a shared commitment to bold, accountable governance that fosters opportunity and inclusive development for all.
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