Collins Sefa Delivering the 2025 University of Ghana Alumni Lecture at the Great Hall, the Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, has called for a fundamental shift in Ghana’s national outlook — from viewing the private sector as a competitor to recognizing it as a strategic partner in nation-building.
Speaking on the theme “Public-Private Partnership – A Case Study of Responsible Corporate Citizenship,” Mr. Dadey urged government, policymakers, and industry leaders to embrace deeper collaboration anchored on trust, shared value, and national ownership.
“Governments do not create wealth – the private sector does. The government may set the rules of the game, but it is the private sector that plays it, with innovation, capital, and resilience,” he stated.
“The time has come for Ghana to move beyond seeing the private sector as a rival, and instead recognise it as a vital ally in national development.”
Learning from History
Reflecting on Ghana’s economic history, Mr. Dadey cited the collapse of once-thriving indigenous enterprises such as Siaw Industries, GNTC, and Neoplan Ghana as lessons on the need to protect and nurture homegrown businesses.
He contrasted these examples with global success stories such as Tata Motors and Shoprite, which grew into multinational giants through deliberate state support and policy alignment.
Public-Private Partnership as a Pathway to Growth
Mr. Dadey underscored that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), grounded in Responsible Corporate Citizenship, hold the key to bridging Ghana’s infrastructure and innovation gaps.
He emphasized that PPPs must be built on clarity of vision, fair risk-sharing, and good governance, ensuring that business success translates into shared social and economic value.
“In every thriving economy, there comes a point where the government can no longer do it alone,” he said.
“The private sector must not only be involved, it must lead — but it cannot do so in isolation.”
A Call for National Ownership and Diaspora Investment
Mr. Dadey called for a renewed national mindset, asserting that Ghana’s economic independence will not come from aid but from ownership — ownership of resources, industries, and ideas driven by Ghanaians for Ghanaians.
He also highlighted the crucial role of the Ghanaian diaspora in driving national development, arguing that no nation has achieved sustained progress without leveraging its global citizens.
To this end, he proposed a shift from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) — encouraging Ghanaians abroad to invest their capital, skills, and expertise back into the country’s growth.
Championing Responsible Corporate Citizenship
Mr. Dadey also emphasized the role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping responsible and sustainable business practices.
He cited the work of the KGL Foundation as a model of corporate responsibility, with impactful initiatives in youth empowerment, education, health, arts and culture, and sports.
Through its programmes, the KGL Foundation has:
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Awarded over 300 scholarships to brilliant but needy students across all levels of education.
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Revived Ghana’s U-17 Colts Football Programme and sponsored the Black Stars for four consecutive years.
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Supported mental health advocacy and intervention initiatives in partnership with health institutions and NGOs, helping to break stigma and support vulnerable individuals.
Unity in Action
In concluding his lecture, Mr. Dadey urged all sectors — public, private, academia, and the diaspora — to work collectively toward Ghana’s development.
“The government cannot do it alone. Businesses cannot do it alone. Academia cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone,” he said.
“However, together – when we bring our ideas, our resources, our knowledge, and our will – we can ignite transformation that will echo for generations. The time for convenience is past. This is the hour for conviction and partnership.”
