Prince Kofi Amoabeng, President of UT Group, says corruption has persisted in Ghana and other African countries because of the lack of efficient mechanisms. Contributing to a discussion during the opening of the 8th African Business Leaders Forum recently in Accra, he said leaders on the continent should focus on creating efficient check systems while providing basic infrastructure.

According to him, Government’s provision of basic amenities for the people would not be enough to grow the economy if measures are not put in place to sanitize the system.

He therefore called on leaders to focus on adopting structures and mechanisms to develop reliable address and identification systems to enable businesses to flourish. Edith Dankwa, president of the African Business Leaders, in a speech, stressed the need for the continent to pool resources together and develop concepts and business models that would impact positively on the world economy.

“We need to take up the challenge of setting a new agenda for Africa which must be the rallying point for efforts targeted at ensuring socio-economic development on the continent.” The day’s forum was themed: “Setting the Next Agenda for Africa”.

According to her, Africa’s leaders must identify key investments and infrastructure that can be put in place to help the expansion of businesses and also to form strategic partnerships across nations towards the development of the continent. She emphasized the need for the continent to seek answers on how to build on current trends to bring the African dream into reality.

Mike Nyinaku, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Beige Capital, for his part, said policy makers need to take risks while making decisions, stressing that taking calculated risk could yield some positive results. The culture of accountability and tolerant leadership should be promoted, he added. Prof Kwaku Atuahene, Founder of International Foundation for Africa, also challenged citizens to stop celebrating corrupt leaders who do nothing but run the country down.

For him, citizens should rather pay attention to development and growth-oriented leaders who are innovative in solving complex problems of the country and continent. Lucy Quist, Director of Vodafone Business Solutions, in an address, called for support for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs and the education of people to strengthen businesses.

Vodafone African Leaders Forum, since its inception, has created opportunities for thousands of delegates across Africa to share ideas and understand issues affecting leadership on the continent.