The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors-Ghana, Dr Alfred Mahamadu Braimah, has called on Ghana’s public and private sector institutions to embrace ethical leadership and sustainable governance as a strategic pathway to improved Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
He made the call during a public lecture organised by the Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The lecture was themed “Sustainable Governance and Ethical Leadership: Implications for ESG.” It brought together students, faculty, industry experts, and governance professionals.
Dr Braimah, who also serves as Board Chair of Benso Oil Palm Plantations Plc, emphasised the critical role ethical leadership plays in driving long-term value and organisational sustainability.
“Ethical leadership drives ESG performance and creates long-term value for stakeholders,” he stated. “Organisations must set the tone at the top by linking executive accountability and rewards to sustainability outcomes.”
He urged institutions to adopt key governance best practices, including the establishment of dedicated ESG committees, appointment of ESG-focused leadership teams, integration of ESG Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into performance reviews, and regular ESG reporting.
“Regular reporting on ESG performance enables management to resolve the issues on an ongoing basis,” Dr Braimah added. “Risk management, stakeholder engagement, and internal ESG training are critical for long-term sustainability.”
Dr Braimah commended UPSA for introducing advanced programmes such as the MPhil in Leadership, MSc in Leadership, and MBA in Corporate Governance, noting that these initiatives position the university not only as a centre of academic excellence but also as a leader in governance education in Ghana.
He concluded his lecture with a strong appeal for collective responsibility.
“An ‘all hands on deck’ approach is required—from all citizens, traditional leaders, public and private sector institutions, and civil society. This cannot be left to government alone.”
Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies, Dr Ernest Mensah Abraham, reiterated the Faculty’s dedication to advancing thought leadership in governance and ethical leadership.
He noted that the lecture aligns with UPSA’s broader vision of shaping responsible leaders for national and continental development.
