A Call for National Collaboration and Vision
The Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Mr Alex Apau Dadey, has emphasized the need for a significant shift in how Ghana perceives its private sector. He argues that the private sector should be seen as a strategic partner in nation-building rather than a competitor to the government. This call for change comes amid a growing recognition of the vital role that the private sector plays in driving economic growth and development.
During his address at the 2025 University of Ghana Alumni Lecture, titled “Public-Private Partnership – A Case Study of Responsible Corporate Citizenship,” Mr Dadey stressed the importance of collaboration between government, policymakers, and industry leaders. He highlighted the necessity of building trust, shared value, and national ownership to foster a more cohesive approach to development.
Mr Dadey noted that while the government may set the rules of the game, it is the private sector that plays it. He pointed out that innovation, capital, and resilience are key factors that drive economic progress. The speaker urged the nation to move beyond viewing the private sector as a rival and instead recognize it as a vital ally in national development.
Lessons from Economic History
In tracing Ghana’s economic history, Mr Dadey cited the collapse of once-thriving enterprises such as Siaw Industries, GNTC, and Neoplan Ghana. These examples serve as reminders of the country’s failure to protect and grow its indigenous businesses. In contrast, he highlighted successful global examples like Tata Motors and Shoprite, which have flourished through deliberate state support and policy alignment.
He underscored that the solution lies in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) underpinned by Responsible Corporate Citizenship. This model ensures that business success translates into shared social and economic value. Mr Dadey emphasized that responsible businesses must aspire to become transgenerational—built on integrity, honesty, and trust, capable of outliving their founders and benefiting future generations.
The Role of PPPs in Development
Effective PPPs can bridge Ghana’s innovation and infrastructure gaps when built on clarity of vision, fair risk-sharing, and good governance. Mr Dadey noted that in every thriving economy, there comes a point where the government can no longer do it alone. The private sector must not only be involved—it must lead. However, this leadership cannot happen in isolation.
Calling for a renewed national mindset, the Executive Chairman asserted that Ghana’s economic independence will not come from aid but from ownership—ownership of resources, industries, and ideas driven by Ghanaians for Ghanaians.
The Power of the Diaspora
Mr Dadey also highlighted the critical role of the Ghanaian diaspora in the country’s development. He stated that no country has developed or sustained progress without the engagement and commitment of its most valuable human resource—the diaspora. Therefore, he advocated a shift from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI), where global Ghanaians invest their capital, knowledge, and expertise back into national development.
Embracing ESG Principles
On the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping responsible businesses and ensuring sustainability, Mr Dadey cited the KGL Foundation’s targeted initiatives in youth empowerment, education, health, arts and culture, and sports as practical demonstrations of responsible corporate citizenship.
The Foundation has touched thousands of lives, awarding over 300 scholarships to brilliant but needy students at all levels. In sports development, the KGL Foundation has been instrumental in the revival and sponsorship of Ghana’s U-17 Colts Football Programme and has supported the Black Stars for four consecutive years.