Ada, Ghana, 26 April 2025 – The Government of Ghana, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), convened an Executive Leadership Retreat in Ada, Ghana from 23 to 26 April 2025. The Retreat was held against the backdrop of the recent democratic transition in the country and following the constitution of a new Cabinet. Under the theme: “Reimagining Leadership in a ‘Reset’ Ghana," the Retreat marked a bold step toward renewing public leadership, advancing responsive governance, and driving transformational change across Ghana.

The Retreat brought together senior government officials, including Ministers, deputy ministers, senior advisors, special guests, international and national resource persons, as well as the private sector and representatives of the African Development Bank. Designed as an intensive, forward-looking series of interactive sessions, the Retreat provided an opportunity to strengthen strategic leadership, foster inter-ministerial collaboration, and equip the leaders to navigate the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) shaping today’s governance landscape.

“Ghana stands at a crossroads, faced with diverse challenges. We must lead differently, think differently, and act differently, as the true measure of our success is the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind,” said H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana. 

“Where we feel our development partners, especially UNDP, can come in, is bringing together various stakeholders, including the private sector and governments from across the aisle to agree on one development agenda that we all buy into and agree to move forward no matter who is in power,” he added.

The Executive Leadership Retreat also offered Cabinet members a safe, co-curated environment to engage with real-world scenarios, regional and global trends, and leadership principles rooted in empathy, systems thinking, and collaborative governance.

Delivered through four thematic modules—Leading in a New World of Accelerated Change, Leading Systems in a VUCA World, Leading Self and Others, and Leading to Deliver Results—the retreat challenged leaders to reimagine not just what they govern, but how they govern.

Facilitated by renowned African and global leaders, former heads of state, policy experts, and thought leaders in public administration, each session integrated dialogue, case studies, and strategic foresight. Participants were encouraged to align their leadership approaches with Ghana’s emerging national priorities and the aspirations of its people.

“For Ghana and Africa to truly advance, we need focused, consistent leadership and a reimagined approach to our educational systems. We must not only invest in technology but also in the people who will create it. Education is the foundation for meaningful change,” said H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria, during his opening remarks.

Ghana continues to navigate significant socio-economic challenges, from youth unemployment and growing inequalities to climate vulnerability and external shocks. Yet, it also benefits from democratic continuity and institutional resilience, reaffirming Ghana’s position as a model of democratic governance in a region where political transitions are increasingly challenged by instability and social unrest.

“Our collective aspiration is that this collaborative programme will serve as a catalyst: equipping you with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and actionable strategies to steer Ghana toward inclusive and sustainable development. UNDP remains a committed partner in this journey,” said Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for Africa.

“Let us seize this opportunity to reimagine leadership, not just for today, but for the Ghana we are building together,” she added.

UNDP and the Government of Ghana will continue to work together to ensure that the retreat’s outcomes inform strategic governance priorities and build momentum for long-term institutional transformation.

The Retreat is part of the newly established Regional Leadership Programme for Africa and presents a first-of-its-kind convening for Ghana’s new Cabinet. It sets the stage for deeper transformation across institutions, ministries, and governance structures and signals a shift toward values-driven, future-focused, and results-oriented governance.

As Ghana enters a new era of leadership, the Executive Leadership Retreat has strengthened a shared commitment to bold, accountable, and future-ready governance. UNDP and the Government of Ghana will continue working together to sustain this momentum, driving leadership that delivers opportunity and inclusive development for all.

For further information and media enquiries, please contact:

• Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Office of the Presidency, Republic of Ghana | shamimamuslim@gmail.com
• Emelia Ainooson, Communications and Partnerships Lead, UNDP Ghana | emelia.ainooson@undp.org
• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Head of Communications, UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa and UNDP Senegal | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org

Notes for the Editors:

About the Office of the President, Republic of Ghana

The Office of the President is responsible for ensuring the development of the state, guaranteeing the delivery of public and social services to citizens, managing national and local resources, and coordinating with the Central and local governments to guarantee the safety and security of populations.

Learn more at www.presidency.gov.gh

About the Regional Leadership Programme

The Regional Leadership Programme (RLP) is a regional flagship initiative launched in 2023 by the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa. Its inaugural edition was held in Kigali, Rwanda, bringing together Nigerian political leaders for a high-level leadership retreat focused on reimagining governance in complex and fast-changing environments.

The programme offers a unique space for experiential learning, strategic dialogue, and peer exchange tailored to the leadership challenges of African governments. Each retreat is country-specific, designed to enhance the leadership capabilities of top public officials through deep reflection, systems thinking, inclusive governance approaches, and innovation.

In 2025, the RLP will be implemented in Ghana and a select number of African countries that recently experienced successful democratic transitions. It brings together members of the newly elected and appointed public officials, Cabinet, presidential advisers, and senior public officials to help align national vision with bold, adaptive, and forward-looking leadership.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/events/executive-leadership-programme

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org/africa/