Telecel CEO Obo-Nai champions integrity in leadership

Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana, emphasized the importance of leadership that encompasses excellence, competence, integrity, courage, and a sense of responsibility to society. At Palm University College's commencement, Obo-Nai underscored the critical role educational institutions play in cultivating ethical leaders. She highlighted the need to integrate ethics into the curriculum, reinforce them through examples, and practice them in everyday decision-making.

Obo-Nai stressed that ethical leadership is crucial in the eyes of the country, investors seeking trustworthy financial partners, and employers looking for individuals with exceptional judgment, discipline, and character. Technical skills may secure a position, but integrity ensures trust, builds reputation, and creates enduring value.

Dr Peter Carlos Okantey, the college's founder and president, explained that Palm University was established to address Ghana's development challenges, which stem not only from a lack of skills but also from a deficiency in ethical leadership. He urged graduates to embody and apply the values of integrity, leadership, and excellence they have been instilled with.

The university supports these ideals through initiatives such as the Centre for Ethical Leadership, the Corporate Mentoring Program, and the Palm GreenLab Innovation and Incubation Lab. As part of these efforts, Obo-Nai introduced the Telecel Award for Excellence and Ethical Leadership, an annual accolade for outstanding graduates who excel academically and demonstrate exemplary integrity, responsibility, and service.

Dr Alex Osei, one of the valedictorians, expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, emphasizing the significance of ethical leadership in making difficult choices, maintaining transparency, and promoting equity and accountability.