The Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, has called for a change in national mindset to position Ghana’s private sector as a key partner in national development, rather than a competitor to the government.
Delivering the 2025 University of Ghana Alumni Lecture at the Great Hall, on the theme: “Public-Private Partnership – A Case Study of Responsible Corporate Citizenship,” Mr. Alex Dadey urged government, policymakers and industry leaders to embrace a renewed spirit of collaboration anchored on trust, shared value, and national ownership.
He emphasised that while the government sets the rules of the game, it is the private sector that creates wealth through innovation, capital, and resilience.
“The time has come for Ghana to move beyond seeing the private sector as a rival, and instead recognise it as a vital ally in national development,” he stated.
Mr. Alex Dadey traced Ghana’s economic journey, citing the collapse of once-thriving enterprises such as Siaw Industries, GNTC and Neoplan Ghana as examples of the nation’s failure to nurture indigenous businesses.
He contrasted these with global successes like Tata Motors and Shoprite, which grew through deliberate state support and policy alignment.
According to him, sustainable development lies in effective Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) underpinned by Responsible Corporate Citizenship, where business success generates shared social and economic value.
He added that responsible enterprises should be trans-generational – built on integrity, honesty, and trust – to outlive their founders and benefit future generations.
Mr. Alex Dadey maintained that effective PPPs can bridge Ghana’s infrastructure and innovation gaps when founded on clarity of vision, fair risk-sharing and good governance.
“In every thriving economy, there comes a point where the government can no longer do it alone. The private sector must not only be involved, it must lead, but it cannot do so in isolation,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the critical role of the Ghanaian diaspora, noting that no country has sustained progress without the commitment of its most valuable human resource.
He, therefore, advocated a shift from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI), urging Ghanaians abroad to channel their capital, knowledge and expertise into national development.
Beyond economics, Mr. Alex Dadey emphasised the importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in driving sustainable growth.
He cited the KGL Foundation’s initiatives in youth empowerment, education, health, arts and sports as practical demonstrations of responsible corporate citizenship.
The Foundation has awarded over 300 scholarships to brilliant but needy students and played a key role in reviving Ghana’s U-17 Colts Football Programme, as well as sponsoring the Black Stars for four consecutive years.
In conclusion, Mr. Alex Dadey called for collective action across sectors, saying: “The government cannot do it alone. Businesses cannot do it alone. Academia cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone.
“However, together when we bring our ideas, our resources, our knowledge and our will we can ignite transformation that will echo for generations.”
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