Ghana, UNDP ELP concludes with Focus on Future-Ready Leadership

The just-ended high-level Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), held at Ada, from April 23 to 26, 2025 concluded with a strong commitment to cultivating future-ready leadership grounded in boldness, accountability, and innovation.

Organised in partnership between the Government of Ghana and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the programme was themed – “Re-imagining Leadership in a ‘Reset’ Ghana.”

It was convened in response to Ghana’s recent democratic transition and the constitution of a new Cabinet.

Aimed at addressing critical socio-economic challenges – including youth unemployment, inequality and climate vulnerability – the four-day event brought together ministers, deputy ministers, senior government advisors, private sector leaders and representatives from the African Development Bank.

The ELP signalled a renewed focus on responsive governance and institutional reform. Through interactive sessions, the programme encouraged participants to rethink leadership in a fast-changing, complex global environment.

“Ghana stands at a crossroads, faced with diverse challenges. We must lead differently, think differently and act differently,” said President John Dramani Mahama, adding “The true measure of our success is the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind.”

Delivered through thematic modules – on leading in a changing world, systems thinking, personal and collective leadership, and results delivery – the programme was facilitated by leading African and global experts, including former heads of state and seasoned policy professionals.

President Mahama also highlighted the value of partnership. “Where we feel our development partners, especially UNDP, can come in, in bringing together various stakeholders to agree on one development agenda that we all buy into—regardless of who is in power,” he noted.

In his opening remarks, Former Nigerian President H.E. Goodluck Jonathan stressed the role of education and innovation.

“We must not only invest in technology but also in the people who will create it,” he said, calling for educational transformation across the continent.

The programme also emphasized gender equity in governance. A dedicated session involving women political leaders and UNDP’s Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, showcased Ghana’s strides in women’s political participation and discussed ways to sustain and advance progress.

“Let us seize this opportunity to re-imagine leadership – not just for today, but for the Ghana we are building together,” said Eziakonwa. “UNDP remains a committed partner in this journey.”

As part of the broader Regional Leadership Programme for Africa, the ELP represents a first-of-its-kind initiative under Ghana’s new administration. It lays the groundwork for transformative leadership built on empathy, collaboration, and measurable outcomes.

The Government of Ghana and UNDP have reaffirmed their joint commitment to applying the programme’s insights to shape governance strategies and institutional reforms – building a stronger foundation for inclusive and sustainable national development.

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