By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Accra, Sept. 11, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned governing boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) against taking over management functions, saying the practice weakens accountability and affects institutional performance.
The President said boards and management teams must operate within their respective mandates.
Addressing the 2026 Governing Boards and CEOs Conference organised by the State Interests and Governance Authority in Accra on Thursday, he said boards were responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing risks, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, and monitoring institutional performance.
The meeting aimed to promote good corporate governance of SOEs after a remarkable performance in the previous year.
The President said some board chairpersons assumed executive roles and operated as if they were part of the day-to-day management of their institutions.
“A board chairperson must not take up offices in their entities and report to work every day as though they occupy full-time executive positions,” he said.
President Mahama emphasised that boards and management had different responsibilities and that distinction must remain clear.
“Boards govern and management manages,” he stated.
The directive comes amid a recent dissolution of some boards of State-Owned enterprises in a renewed efforts to promote good governance within State Enterprises.
President Mahama said boards that took over routine operational decisions weakened accountability through interference.
Chief executives who resisted legitimate board oversight also undermined accountability and effective governance.
The President said board membership should not be viewed as a ceremonial position or an entitlement.
He urged board members to exercise independent judgement, scrutinise proposals and ask difficult questions when necessary.
“Board members must always place the public interest above personal interests and political considerations,” he said.
“Loyalty to government must never be mistaken for silence in the face of a decision that could harm the enterprise or the republic.”
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and good corporate governance across state institutions.
He said appointments to boards and management positions must be based on competence, integrity, diligence and performance.
President Mahama called on boards to ensure transparent procurement processes, merit-based recruitment, and proper management of state assets.
He said effective governance was necessary to improve the performance of state enterprises and protect public resources.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Jibril Abdul Mumuni