The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has warned that the growing erosion of trust in leadership especially among the political class poses a serious threat to national development and social cohesion.
He said Ghana’s leadership challenges now extended beyond politics into business, banking, classrooms, homes and boardrooms, and called for integrity and ethical leadership to restore confidence in society.
Speaking at the Ghana Business Leaders’ Conclave organised by the University of Professional Studies, Accra, the Asantehene said democracy alone could not sustain a nation without trust among its people and leaders.
“Democracy requires elections, but nation-building requires trust. Democracy changes governments, but trust sustains societies,” he stated.
He said although Ghanaians often welcomed new leaders with hope, many eventually ended in disappointment because confidence in leadership had weakened.
“Every four or eight years, we welcome leaders with great hope. Yet too often, loyalty is short-lived, trust is fragile and our heroes soon end up in the depths of disappointment,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that the crisis of trust had affected both public and private institutions, thereby undermining harmony and productivity.
He also criticised arrogance among some corporate and public leaders, saying arrogance should never be mistaken for leadership.
“We see arrogance masquerading as leadership, but arrogance is not leadership. Arrogance is a hindrance to harmony,” he stressed.
The Asantehene said true leadership demanded humility, honesty, fairness and respect for others.
According to him, leaders who lacked integrity might achieve temporary success, but would fail to build lasting institutions.
“A leader without ethics may achieve temporary success but will never build a lasting institution,” he said.
He explained that integrity was not an abstract concept but a practical value demonstrated through daily actions and decisions.
“It is how a person behaves when nobody is watching. It is how a leader acts when power is in his hands,” he said.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further urged business executives to build trust within their organisations and treat workers, partners and customers fairly.
“Workers who feel fairly treated respond with dedication. Customers who feel respected respond with loyalty,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of negotiation, mediation and ethical governance in resolving disputes and promoting sustainable business growth.
The Asantehene said Ghana’s traditional values of truth, justice and fairness remained relevant to modern leadership and nation-building.
The Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Dr K.K. Sarpong, in his address , stressed that integrity and ethical governance remain critical to the survival of institutions and businesses.
He said leadership founded on honesty and principle was necessary to sustain national development and corporate growth.
According to him, institutions could only remain strong when guided by leaders who upheld integrity and accountability.
“Nations are built on the integrity of their institutions, and institutions are sustained by the integrity of their leaders,” Dr Sarpong stated.
He noted that sustainable businesses depended largely on principled leadership and ethical decision-making.
Dr Sarpong described the theme of the conclave as relevant to the country’s current governance and business environment.
He also urged business executives and professionals to exchange ideas and experiences to deepen excellence in leadership.Citing Maya Angelou, he said, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.”
The Chancellor further praised the leadership qualities of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, saying his years of mediation and traditional governance offered valuable lessons in ethical leadership.
On his part, the Board Chairman of GCB Bank, Prof Joshua Alabi, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting businesses and entrepreneurship across the country.
He said the bank’s broad branch network and digital transformation agenda positioned it strongly to contribute to Ghana’s economic growth.
“With our wide national footprint, strong digital transformation agenda and commitment to customer excellence, we continue to position ourselves as a bank that supports Ghanaian dreams and drives economic growth,” he stated.
Prof Alabi also commended UPSA for promoting collaboration between academia and industry.
He said such partnerships were essential in nurturing innovative and globally competitive enterprises.
“GCB Bank will continue to support initiatives that inspire ideas, promote enterprise and contribute to Ghana’s development,” he added.
