On November 7, 2025, the Department of Law at Ashesi University hosted a Fireside Chat on Public Policy and National Development. The session featured Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Former Minister for Works and Housing and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi; Hon. Joe Ghartey, Ashesi Faculty member, Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice; and Mr. Charles Amoako Atta, Deputy Director at the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).

The discussion focused on the role and performance challenges of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Ghana’s national development. Speakers highlighted several interconnected causes behind the underperformance of many SOEs, including poor corporate governance, work cultures that are not commercially driven, and limited political will to allow these entities to operate on sound economic principles, often constrained by fears of public backlash.

Speakers highlighted the dual impact of social media on public policy, enhancing accountability while sometimes spreading misinformation about SOEs. They called for reforms focused on stronger governance, political independence, and legislative enforcement to make SOEs more efficient and accountable drivers of national development.