By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has reminded board chairpersons of State-Owned Enterprises, SOE that their positions are not ceremonial, stressing that Boards must provide effective strategic direction and ensure that public institutions deliver results.
Speaking at the Governing Board and CEOs Conference in Accra, President Mahama tasked Boards with strengthening oversight of risk, financial integrity and institutional performance, while holding management accountable for agreed targets.
He stressed that boards must exercise their governance responsibilities without interfering in the day-to-day administration of the institutions.
“Boards govern and management manages,” the President stated, charging board members to ensure that public resources are protected and used to create value for Ghanaians.
Turning to chief executives, President Mahama reminded them that executive authority is not a personal privilege but a measurable responsibility to deliver results.
He challenged every CEO to demonstrate the additional value created by the institution each year, whether through profitability, job creation, improved services, infrastructure or increased national capacity.
The President noted that some state-owned enterprises have struggled over the years with persistent losses, mounting liabilities, weak returns and dependence on government support. He therefore warned that leadership positions must be tied to performance and value creation.
He said strong performance would be recognized, but persistent underperformance would attract corrective action, including leadership changes where necessary.
President Mahama further urged boards and CEOs to uphold merit, integrity and accountability, stressing that public institutions must be managed in the national interest.
