Dr. Ishmael Yamson
Report by: Ben LARYEA
The Chairman of Unilever Ghana Limited, Dr. Ishmael Yamson has stated that despite the years of democratic governance, the country does not have the right leaders to stir up the economic fortunes by creating sustainable jobs and wealth.
According to him, leaders must be able to identify the emerging trends in a rapidly globalized environment and explained that failure in that regard can lead to an economic crisis and was quick to remind leaders and those in authority to draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war which have created adverse effects on the world’s economy.
“Leadership has taken a center stage in the country and as such the citizenry must have a deep stake in the right choice of leaders to govern the country”, he said, adding that failure in that regard will not enhance and promote the growth and development of the country.
Dr. Ishmael Yamson made these assertions at a public lecture organized by the Central University under the theme, “Leadership for the future: Reflections from a 55-year career in corporate Africa”, in Accra.
He said the governance structure of the country was periodically disrupted as a result of the military takeover, disregard for rule of law, chieftaincy disputes, and its negative impact on cultural values and norms at the traditional level among others which have contributed to the slow growth and development of the country.
Leadership and governance are about the current and future hence the past challenges must not be repeated therefore people in positions of authority must be able to anticipate the future, adapt, and respond to changing trends and dynamics in the world economy to enable the country to be at a competitive edge in trade and businesses.
Touching on state funding of political parties, Dr. Ishmael Yamson who doubles as the Chairman of Mobile Telephone Network (MTN) said the method of party financing and campaign is quite worrying, pointing out that the move comes with questionable monies and explained further that such actions and inactions will make a group of people take over as well as control the governance systems of the country
He however called for swift reforms in political party financing to prevent certain elements from taking undue advantage of the country’s machinery and pointed out that financiers are thereafter rewarded with juicy contracts which do not auger well for nation-building and good governance.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
