On Thursday, 8 October, Dr. (h.c.) Daniel Fahene Acquaye, Chief Executive Officer of Agri‑Impact Ltd and Chairman of the Apostolic Professionals Network, delivered a keynote address at the maiden Apostolic Business Leadership Summit in Accra. The event, organised by the network, convened Christian business leaders, professionals and industry experts at the Headquarters of The Apostolic Church‑Ghana.
Dr Acquaye warned that the high rate of business failures across Ghana and Africa stems from weak organisational structures, inadequate financial management and a lack of effective succession plans. He noted that many enterprises collapse before their founders can pass them on, unlike family businesses in Europe that have survived for several generations.
“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 or fourth generation.’ They have been able to pass on their businesses from one generation to the other,” he said. “Now, when you come to our setting, the first generation will not even expire, but the business will expire.”
He urged Christian entrepreneurs to institutionalise operations, safeguard investments and develop succession strategies that would enable enterprises to grow beyond their founders. He also cautioned against waiting until retirement to enter business, especially in agriculture, and encouraged prospective entrepreneurs to develop ideas early, gain experience and understand risks before committing retirement savings.
Apostle Dr Aaron Ami‑Narh, President of The Apostolic Church‑Ghana, added that business leaders have a divine mandate to influence society and advance God’s purposes. He challenged attendees to view their enterprises as a calling rather than merely a means of earning a living.
Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor Elder Professor Samuel Antwi of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, called on owners to implement strong internal controls, effective procurement and integrity‑based hiring to prevent revenue leakages and promote sustainable growth.
The summit, themed “Equipping Christian Business Leaders for a New Era,” also featured speakers such as Deputy CEO Mrs. Juliana Asante‑Dartey, JP Petroleum’s General Manager Mr Joshua Larbi, Mobile Money Fintech’s Risk Officer Mr Godwin Tamakloe, PwC Ghana partner Mr Hayfron Aboagye, Newage Agric Solutions Managing Partner Roland Quaye and Agokings’ Chief Farmer Nana Owusu‑Achau.
Looking ahead, the Apostolic Professionals Network plans to continue nurturing young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship and networking platforms to embed Christian values and ethics in Ghana’s business landscape.
