ACCRA, Ghana, 10th September: President John Dramani Mahama has warned boards of state-owned enterprises against interfering in the day-to-day operations of their institutions, stressing that boards must focus on governance while management delivers on executive responsibilities.
He said board chairpersons must understand that their positions are not ceremonial and that they are responsible for strategy, policy, risk oversight, financial integrity and institutional performance.
President Mahama made the remarks while addressing the 2026 Annual Governing and CEOs Conference of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
He reminded board members that “boards govern and management manages,” warning that interference in operations by boards or resistance to legitimate oversight by chief executives weakens accountability and ultimately harms public institutions.
The President urged every board member to exercise independent judgment and place the public interest above convenience or political loyalty.
He also warned against conflicts of interest, abuse of office and the unauthorized disposal or dissipation of public assets.
According to him, public assets, including land, buildings, investments, equipment and other resources belong to the people of Ghana and are merely held in trust by government and state institutions.
“Appointment to a board or management position is a public trust founded on competence, integrity and performance,” he said.
President Mahama directed boards to ensure that procurement remains lawful, competitive and transparent, while recruitment and promotions are based on merit.
He further instructed boards to protect every asset entrusted to their care, warning that unauthorized disposal or dissipation of public assets constitutes a breach of trust against the Ghanaian people.
The President said boards must also subject expenditure decisions to three fundamental questions: whether the expenditure is necessary, whether it provides value for money and whether it advances the institution’s mandate and creates public value.
He urged state institutions to build enduring organisations rather than personal empires, stressing the need for merit-based recruitment and credible succession plans.
President Mahama said the ultimate standard for every board and chief executive must be the creation of measurable public value through stronger governance, improved services, efficient operations and responsible management of public resources.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭