CIHRM Calls for Professionalism of HR Practice

By Maame Efua Kwaduah

The President of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM), Mrs. Florence Hutchful, has called on human resource professionals in Ghana to embrace stronger ethical leadership and take a more strategic role in shaping the future of work.

Speaking at the opening of the CIHRM 2026 Conference in Accra, Mrs. Hutchful said the rapidly evolving world of work requires HR practitioners to move beyond traditional administrative roles and become key drivers of organisational growth, sustainability and transformation.

She noted that the conference brought together industry experts, business leaders and HR practitioners to explore emerging trends in workforce management, with a focus on equipping professionals with the skills needed to respond to changing workplace demands.

“HR can no longer take a backseat. As the DNA of every organisation, the HR function must move beyond merely supporting the development and execution of organisational strategy to leading organisations to build robust and adaptive mechanisms for growth and sustainability,” she noted.

She stressed that HR professionals must now play a central role in shaping organisational direction and ensuring that businesses remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty, technological disruption and changing employee expectations.

According to her, the rollout and enforcement of HR professional standards developed by CIHRM is critical to advancing the credibility and effectiveness of the profession in Ghana.

A key theme of her address was ethical leadership within the HR profession. She underscored the importance of integrity, fairness, accountability and diligence, describing them as essential values that underpin both organisational success and national development.

She referenced earlier discussions on work ethics and governance, noting that ethical principles remain fundamental to effective human resource management.

Mrs. Hutchful described HR professionals as the “conscience and moral compass” of organisations, explaining that they play a critical role in ensuring fairness, transparency and consistency in employee management while also safeguarding organisational performance.

She acknowledged that HR practitioners often face difficult decisions that require balancing organisational goals with employee welfare.

“Effective HR professionals should remain objective and principled. They should uphold organisational goals while protecting employee well-being, ensuring that decisions are made with both strategic intent and human sensitivity,” she stated.

However, she expressed concern about reports of unethical conduct within parts of the profession, cautioning that such actions risk undermining public trust in HR practice.

She cited allegations of misconduct involving some HR practitioners, including claims of abuse of authority in employee dismissal processes. While noting that such reports may not always be fully substantiated, she said they highlight the need for greater accountability and stronger ethical standards.

“Whether such accounts are ultimately substantiated or not, they serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability, ethical leadership and the responsible exercise of authority within the HR function,” she stated.

Mrs. Hutchful further emphasised that HR professionals must not only focus on outcomes but also on the processes used to achieve them, adding that ethical conduct must guide all decision-making.

“Results matter, but how we achieve results is extremely critical to our profession,” she said.

On regulatory reforms, she announced that CIHRM had entered the full implementation phase of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Act, 2020 (Act 1020), which gives the Institute authority to regulate HR practice in Ghana.

She warned that it is now illegal for unregistered individuals to practise HR functions, offer HR training, provide examination tuition, or deliver HR consultancy services without certification from the Institute.

“The HR profession in Ghana is now regulated and can no longer be left in the hands of unqualified individuals. HR work in Ghana shall be performed by trained HR professionals certified by the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Ghana,” she said.

Mrs. Hutchful urged all HR practitioners and firms to register with CIHRM and maintain compliance with professional standards.

She also announced progress on a major academic initiative being developed in partnership with the University of Ghana Business School the establishment of Ghana’s first Human Resources Professorial Chair.

The initiative, she explained, is expected to strengthen research, policy development, curriculum design and thought leadership within the HR profession.

According to her, key milestones have already been achieved, including the identification of a sponsor, with final institutional processes underway.

She added that an official launch will be announced once preparations are completed.

She described the initiative as a landmark step toward strengthening academic research and professional excellence in human resource management in Ghana.

Mrs. Hutchful encouraged participants at the conference to take full advantage of the two-day programme through networking, learning and collaboration.

She expressed optimism that the engagements would contribute to the continued advancement of the HR profession in Ghana and beyond.