First ever Identity Summit opens in Accra

Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - The Chief of Staff, Mr Henry Martey Newman on Wednesday called for the creation of a brand of economic dispensation that would enable aspiring leaders to sign up to.

He said though Ghana was yet to have international or regional brands that would provide a framework for emerging brands, there was the need to use the "Brand Ghana" development to "unleash" the several advantages and opportunities for sustainable and rapid economic as well as social development for the benefits of all.

The Chief of Staff made the call in Accra when he opened a day's National Identity summit on the theme: "Ghana in Search of a Competitive Identity".

The summit that will attract about 300 participants will discuss perceptions about Ghana, Brand Ghana's Vision, Brand Ghana Identity, Generating Ideas on Subject Area, Perception about Subject Area, Subject Area Vision, Subject Area Identity and Subject Area Strategy inputs.

Organised by the Brand Ghana Office, the summit aims at optimizing national buy-in and support for the Brand Ghana programme and unite the nation behind a common vision and shared values and also to reinforce conscious citizenship development as an imperative to sustainable national development.

Mr Newman explained that the country needed a strategic-focus, which would generate positive national perspectives and policy continuity in matters that brought real development to the people.

"This is only possible when Brand Ghana provides a common vision, which successive governments replicate, deepen and widen, similar to visions of entrepreneurs tat outlast their founders.".

Mr Newman explained that many Ghanaians should be part of the process in realizing and shaping Ghana's aspirations, helping create a stronger sense of national identity and social cohesion.

"Shared Values unite a nation and designs citizenship behaviours. We need more order and discipline in our homes, educational institutions, places of work and in the communities".

The country's brand, he said, would become the behavioural framework providing direction and orientation for the nation, ensuring that the cherished values promoted national debates and actions.

Mr Mathias Kotia, Chief Executive Officer of Brand Ghana Office, said the Identity Summit was one of the seven stages in the framework for development of Ghana's Competitive Strategy, aimed at uniting the nation behind a common vision and shared values.

Brand Ghana success will depend on the ability to employ an inclusive, consultative and sustained approach to develop and deliver Brand Ghana vision and strategy, he said adding, "It is imperative that the people of Ghana be united, beyond their diversities to consider and espouse their identity".

Mr Thebeestile Ikalafeng, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Branding Leadership, called on Ghanaians to focus on culture, capability and experience to brand the country.

He advised that like the other developed countries which have been successful in branding their countries to identify the negative things about the country and promote more of the positive things to serve as the brand.

"The Ghana Yes We Can slogan can be used and make sure you market more of the rich cocoa, the rich culture, and the kente that you have and you will be on top".