Ralph Ayitey shares his vision for AGI

By Peter Martey AGBEKO

As the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) prepares for its national elections on Thursday, November 27, 2025, Ralph Ayitey, Chief Executive Officer of Coconut Grove Hotels, says he is ready to lead the association into a new era of inclusive growth and stronger industrial advocacy.

With over a decade of dedicated service within the AGI Council and National Executive Council, Ayitey outlines a bold vision to strengthen policy influence, boost competitiveness, and make every member — large or small — feel the impact of the association’s work.

Ralph Ayitey Shares His Vision for AGI

With elections for the presidency of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) set for Thursday, November 27, 2025, Mr. Ralph Ayitey, Chief Executive Officer of Coconut Grove Hotels, is calling on members to join him in building a stronger, more vibrant AGI.

In an exclusive interview with the Business and Financial Times, Mr. Ayitey said his decade-long service in the AGI Council and National Executive Council – from Hospitality Sector Chairman (2015–2017), Executive Member (2017-2021) to National Treasurer (2021–date) — has given him the insight and experience to lead effectively.

“I believe AGI must continue to be the voice that drives Ghana’s industrial revolution,” he stated. “My vision is to strengthen advocacy, expand opportunities for local manufacturers, and ensure that every member feels the impact of our work.”

Mr. Ayitey, who has worked closely with industry leaders and policymakers, said he aims to deepen collaboration across all sectors to make Ghanaian industries globally competitive.

As the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) prepares for its presidential election at the Accra International Conference Centre on November 27, 2025, Mr. Ralph Ayitey, a long-serving executive member and current National Treasurer, is presenting a leadership vision rooted in inclusiveness, advocacy, and results.

A decade of dedicated service in leadership

Over the past ten years, Ralph Ayitey has played key roles in shaping AGI’s direction and influence. He has served as Hospitality Sector Chairman (2015–2017), Executive Member of the National Executive Council (2017–2019; 2019–2021), and National Treasurer (2021–date).

In these roles, he has built strong relationships across Ghana’s manufacturing and services sectors and contributed to AGI’s growth as the country’s foremost private-sector association.

“I’ve experienced, at first hand, the difficulties that various industries go through — from high production costs to limited access to markets,” he said. “But I also know that, through collaboration and innovation, we can turn these challenges into profitable opportunities.”

Policy priorities and advocacy

If elected president, Mr. Ayitey intends to strengthen AGI’s policy advocacy — ensuring that government policies genuinely support industrial competitiveness, investment, and job creation.

He emphasised that AGI’s policy influence must be proactive, data-driven, and sustained.

“We must engage government not just on taxation and regulation, but on creating a fair, predictable environment where industries can thrive,” he said.

Expanding market access and global reach

Mr. Ayitey’s vision also focuses on expanding market access for local industries. He plans to build partnerships that connect AGI members to regional and global value chains, helping Ghanaian businesses compete internationally.

He believes that by promoting the ‘Made in Ghana’ brand and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), local manufacturers can become major players on the continent.

“We have the talent, the capacity, and the resilience. What we need now is coordinated leadership to open new markets for Ghanaian products and services,” he explained.

Commitment to members and capacity building

A central theme of Mr. Ayitey’s message is inclusivity — ensuring that both large corporations and smaller enterprises benefit from AGI’s programmes.

He pledged to intensify training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support SMEs, while strengthening member services through digitalisation and responsive communication.

“Every member should feel the impact of AGI,” he stressed. “That means supporting innovation, building capacity, and providing platforms for collaboration.”

Integrity, vision, and resolve

Mr. Ayitey’s campaign theme — “Champion of Local Industry, AGI’s Leading Voice of the Private Sector” — reflects his commitment to ethical leadership and pragmatic action.

“Let’s continue the work we’ve started,” he said. “Let’s lead with integrity, with vision and resolve. Together, we can make AGI the true engine of national growth.”

About the AGI

Established in 1957, the AGI is Ghana’s largest private-sector business association with more than 1,200 member companies across manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, construction, ICT, transport, and financial services. The association’s mission is to drive industrial development, advocate sound policies, and build competitiveness in Ghana’s business ecosystem.

Elections for the next AGI President take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

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