Dr. (h.c.) Daniel Fahene Acquaye, chief executive officer of Agri-Impact Ltd and chairman of the Apostolic Professionals Network, urged Christian business leaders to prioritise sustainability, succession planning and strategic investment at the maiden Apostolic Business Leadership Summit on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The event was hosted at the headquarters of The Apostolic Church‑Ghana in Accra under the theme “Equipping Christian Business Leaders for a New Era.”
Acquaye warned that Ghanaian and African enterprises often collapse before founders can pass them on, citing weak organisational structures, inadequate financial management and a lack of succession plans as key culprits. He contrasted this with European family businesses that routinely survive into the third or fourth generation. “When you go to Europe and meet an enterprise, the first thing they would say is, ‘This is a family business, and we are the third generation or the fourth generation,’” he said. “Now, when you come to our setting, the first generation will not even expire, but the business will expire.”
The CEO called for institutionalising operations, safeguarding investments and developing succession strategies that enable enterprises to thrive beyond their founders. He also cautioned entrepreneurs, especially in agriculture, against waiting until retirement to start a business, urging them to develop ideas early, gain experience and understand risks before committing retirement savings.
Other speakers included Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami‑Narh, who urged Christian professionals to view their businesses as a calling, and Elder Professor Samuel Antwi of UPSA, who highlighted the importance of internal controls, procurement practices and hiring people of integrity to prevent revenue leakages.
The summit also featured industry experts such as Deputy CEO Mrs. Juliana Asante‑Dartey of Agri‑Impact, Mr. Joshua Larbi, General Manager of JP Petroleum, and Mr. Godwin Tamakloe, Risk and Compliance Officer at Mobile Money Fintech Ltd. The event is part of the Apostolic Professionals Network’s effort to equip Christian entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to succeed in a changing business environment.
Business owners are encouraged to take deliberate steps now to build resilient enterprises that can outlive their founders and contribute positively to society.
