“Private Sector Must Be Seen as a Partner, Not a Rival” – Alex Dadey
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, has called for a national rethinking of Ghana’s development approach, urging government and policymakers to treat the private sector as a strategic partner in nation-building rather than a competitor.
Delivering the 2025 University of Ghana Alumni Lecture at the Great Hall, under the theme “Public-Private Partnership – A Case Study of Responsible Corporate Citizenship,” Mr. Dadey underscored the urgent need for trust, shared values, and collaboration between the state and businesses.
“Governments do not create wealth, the private sector does. The government may set the rules of the game, but it is the private sector that plays it, with innovation, capital, and resilience. The time has come for Ghana to move beyond seeing the private sector as a rival and instead recognize it as a vital ally in national development,” he declared.
Mr. Dadey traced Ghana’s economic history, lamenting the collapse of once-thriving local industries such as Siaw Industries, GNTC, and Neoplan Ghana, which he said symbolized the country’s failure to protect and nurture indigenous businesses. He contrasted this with global examples like Tata Motors and Shoprite, which have thrived through deliberate state support and consistent policy alignment.
According to him, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) built on Responsible Corporate Citizenship are the key to bridging Ghana’s innovation and infrastructure gaps. “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 further called for a renewed national mindset, arguing that Ghana’s economic independence will be driven not by foreign aid but by ownership of resources, industries, and ideas, by Ghanaians for Ghanaians.
Mr. Dadey also emphasized the vital role of the Ghanaian diaspora, describing it as the country’s most valuable human resource. He advocated for a shift from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI), encouraging global Ghanaians to invest their knowledge, expertise, and capital back into the nation’s progress.
Highlighting the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, he cited the KGL Foundation’s interventions in youth empowerment, education, health, arts, culture, and sports as examples of responsible corporate citizenship. The Foundation, he said, has awarded over 300 scholarships, supported mental health advocacy, and funded sports development, including sponsorship of the Black Stars and the U-17 Colts Football Program.
Concluding his address, Mr. Dadey urged all stakeholders, government, private sector, academia, and the diaspora to work together for a shared national vision.
“The government cannot do it alone. Businesses cannot do it alone. Academia cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone. Together, we can ignite transformation that will echo for generations,” he said.
