Dr. Yamson challenges CEOs to cut Ghana’s reliance on imports

Chairperson of the Ghana CEO Vision High-Level Dialogue and CEO of Ishmael Yamson and Associates, Dr Ishmael Yamson, has urged Ghanaian CEOs to cut the country's reliance on imports and foster local production and innovation. Speaking at the Ghana CEO Vision High-Level Dialogue in Accra, Dr Yamson emphasized that business leaders had a crucial role in Ghana's economic reset.

He stressed that businesses needed to focus on what they produce, the employees they hire, their tax contributions, and their treatment of employees and customers. Dr Yamson pointed out that Africa only contributes 2% to global innovation, challenging Ghanaian businesses to develop homegrown solutions. He questioned the nation's continued dependence on foreign technology and food, questioning whether Ghana could truly claim independence if it continued importing goods.

Dr Yamson highlighted the importance of integrity and ethical leadership for national development, urging CEOs to consider the long-term impact of their decisions. He challenged business leaders to prepare the next generation and warned that the country's prospects would remain unchanged if current decisions persisted. Dr Yamson acknowledged positive economic trends, noting a decline in inflation from 20.8% in December 2024 to 5.2% in September 2026, and a 6% economic growth in 2025.

However, he stressed the need to build on these gains by making decisions that would deliver lasting improvements in people's lives.