The Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has been honoured with the prestigious Exemplary Leadership Award at the 23rd edition of the Business Leader of the Year Awards.

The high-profile ceremony, held at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai, convened a global assembly of policymakers and titans from the worlds of finance, technology, and industry.

The award recognizes Mr. Opong-Fosu’s decades-long career dedicated to public service, institutional reform, and economic transformation across Africa.

In a career that has traversed the full spectrum of Ghanaian governance—from local administration to the halls of Parliament—Mr. Opong-Fosu has emerged as a central figure in the country’s drive for modernised bureaucracy and ethical leadership. Speaking following the ceremony, the former Minister emphasised that his trajectory has been defined by a consistent focus on purposeful and people-centred governance.

“Each stage of this journey has reinforced a simple belief—that public office is not a privilege to be enjoyed, but a responsibility to be discharged with integrity, courage, and accountability,” Mr. Opong-Fosu stated.

Mr. Opong-Fosu's professional portfolio serves as a roadmap of Ghana’s modern political evolution.

Having previously served as a District Chief Executive and as the Head of the Local Government Service, he was instrumental in early decentralisation efforts.

His subsequent tenure in Parliament and various ministerial roles solidified a reputation as a reformer dedicated to strengthening state institutions.

Beyond government, as the Founder and President of Africa Growth Solutions, he has remained a vocal advocate for private-sector-led inclusive growth across the continent.

During his acceptance speech in Mumbai, Mr. Opong-Fosu reflected on the political mentorship and public trust that fueled his rise.

He formally dedicated the award to President H.E. John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, noting that their "trust and confidence" remain the primary drivers behind any international recognition he receives.

The Business Leader of the Year Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence, highlighting individuals who bridge the gap between policy and profit to create social value.

For Mr. Opong-Fosu, the recognition comes at a critical time as he leads the GIPC in its mission to attract sustainable foreign direct investment and bolster Ghana’s standing in a volatile global economy.

The GIPC Chair reaffirmed his commitment to "restoring trust in public institutions" and ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible welfare for the common man.

The Mumbai summit concluded with a call for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors, a theme Mr. Opong-Fosu has championed throughout his career.

For many observers, this latest accolade cements his status not just as a Ghanaian politician, but as a continental statesman dedicated to the "common good."