Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has emphasized the government’s commitment to accountability and performance-based leadership. Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the appointment ceremony of Dr. George Nana Agyekum Donkor as the new Chancellor of Nobel International Business School (NiBS), Ablakwa stated that every government official must adhere to clear-cut Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure tangible results in governance.
End of Public-Private Dichotomy
Highlighting the need to bridge the gap between public and private sector efficiency, Ablakwa noted, “Everybody who is given a position in his government must meet clear-cut KPIs. The dichotomy which exists between the private and public sector must cease.” He further stressed that public officials must deliver measurable outcomes that contribute directly to national development.
According to Ablakwa, President Mahama is taking bold steps to end the lackadaisical attitude of government workers who fail to take responsibility for the consequences of their inefficiencies. According to him, the president wants to end the careless attitude of government workers who do not care about the outcome of their work and do not take responsibility for their actions,” he remarked.
Institutional Reforms and Accountability
To ensure this vision becomes a reality, Ablakwa disclosed that institutional reforms are underway at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The president has given me matching orders to carry out institutional reforms. We are establishing a performance-based system at the ministry, and we are also introducing clear KPIs for ambassadors posted outside the country,” he revealed. “It will no longer be business as usual. Their benefits must translate into real-life improvements for Ghanaians.”
Government-NiBS Partnership for Leadership Transformation
Speaking on the importance of strong leadership, Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s partnership with NiBS to foster a new leadership narrative in Ghana. “If the Ghanaian is given the opportunity, their expertise, management skills, and leadership acumen can change the course of destiny and write a new song for this nation,” he said. “That is why we want to form a strong partnership with NiBS to redefine leadership and governance in our country.”
NiBS Chancellor’s Vision for the Future
Dr. George Nana Agyekum Donkor, in his acceptance speech, outlined his vision for NiBS as a hub for digital and green economic transformation. He emphasized the integration of cutting-edge fields such as blockchain technology, sustainable finance, artificial intelligence, and digital entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum.
“As we gather here today, we must ask ourselves a fundamental question: How do we prepare the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs to transform Ghana, Africa, and the world?” Dr. Donkor posed. “At NiBS, we recognize that traditional business education is no longer enough. We must embrace innovative, practical, and technology-driven approaches to learning.”
Dr. Donkor further underscored NiBS’ commitment to fostering entrepreneurial excellence, ethical leadership, and policy-driven research. He expressed confidence that the institution will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s economic landscape.
A Call to Action
As Ghana and Africa stand at the crossroads of digital and green industrialization, the synergy between government institutions and educational bodies like NiBS is expected to drive sustainable economic transformation. With the government’s renewed focus on accountability and the university’s commitment to innovation, stakeholders believe this partnership will redefine leadership, governance, and economic development in Ghana and beyond.