President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns about the increasing tendency of Ghanaian businesses to appoint foreign nationals to management positions, describing it as a worrying indicator of distrust in local talent.
Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum, Mahama framed the trend as both a symptom and cause of Ghana’s industrial development challenges.
“This pattern suggests a fundamental lack of confidence in our own human resources,” Mahama stated. “When we consistently look outside for leadership, we undermine our capacity to build sustainable, locally-rooted industries.” His remarks highlighted a growing tension in Ghana’s corporate sector, where some business owners argue foreign expertise brings needed skills while critics see it as a failure to develop local talent.
The president acknowledged legitimate cases requiring specialized foreign expertise but cautioned against blanket preferences. He urged business leaders to invest in nurturing Ghanaian professionals through mentorship and long-term career development. “True industrial growth happens when we develop management teams that grow with our businesses,” he said.
Mahama’s comments come amid ongoing debates about Ghana’s educational system and its alignment with industry needs. Some analysts suggest the preference for foreign managers reflects gaps in local training programs, particularly in technical and specialized fields. Others point to concerns about corporate governance standards and professional ethics.
The discussion touches on broader economic questions as Ghana positions itself as a regional business hub. While foreign expertise can bring valuable knowledge transfer, over-reliance risks creating dependency and stifling local leadership development. As Mahama noted, the solution requires commitment from both employers to invest in training and employees to demonstrate professional integrity.
This emerging debate may prompt renewed focus on Ghana’s human capital development strategies, particularly as the country seeks to boost industrial growth and reduce unemployment. The balance between leveraging global expertise and building local capacity remains a critical challenge for policymakers and business leaders alike.
