• The ‘Kaya’ Diplomat: Diary Notes of a Ghanaian Diplomat (Hardcover)

    The ‘Kaya’ Diplomat: Diary Notes of a Ghanaian Diplomat is an account of event and episodes that I encountered in my forty-one years of service as a Foreign Service Officer.

    Inevitably, such a story coincides with the life and service of other high-ranking personalities who played a role or directed Foreign Policy of the Republic of Ghana, as our lives crossed. These interactions played a major role in developments in my career and fashioned the Diplomat that I became.

    This is my story.

  • The UT Story: Building A Winning Team – Volume 2 (Hardcover)

    *Available from 23rd February
    In this second instalment of Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng’s (Rtd) memoirs, he discusses in painstaking detail, how he led his team to consolidate the gains made in the early days. He also dwells on how he established a unique corporate culture mainly through leading by example, and how essential that corporate culture was to the sustenance and growth of the business.

    PK, as he was affectionately called by his team, lays bare UT’s ambitious expansion drive which culminated in establishing branches in nearly all the regions of Ghana as well as the founding of subsidiaries in Nigeria, South Africa, and Germany.

    If the first instalment of the UT Story was delightful and inspiring, this second instalment is insightful, touching and thought-provoking. And as always, it is an in-depth, no-holds-barred, unabashed account driven by the enigmatic figure of Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng (Rtd).

    Written with George Bentum Essiaw, an award-winning writer, author and filmmaker.

  • Who Owns the Land and Who Rules the Land?

    Ghana is undergoing her fourth experiment in Constitutional Rule − the 4th Republic. She was the first Black African country south of the Sahara to gain her political independence in 1957 but economic independence has eluded her till now. Her development is at a snail-pace at best.

    According to the author, there are certain fundamental bottlenecks in the country’s governance system which make it difficult for her to realize her economic potential. The author compares Ghana’s governance system to Singapore which gained political independence around the same time as Ghana but has successfully transformed from Third World to First World economic status in 30 years and asks why the difference. The author calls for a national debate on the country’s governance system that will lead to a total review of the 1992 Constitution. The following are some of the key issues he calls the nation’s attention to:

     

    • A Feudal Land Tenure System whereby more than 90% of the land mass of Ghana is vested in the Chieftaincy institution as Stool Lands and the remaining 10% vested in the President on behalf of the people of Ghana as Public Lands. A system which greatly impedes development and benefits only a privileged few and yet there are no Land Reforms
    • The Legacy of the Colonial Indirect Rule leading to a “bifurcated state” in which traditional authority runs parallel to civilian political authority
    • An Ineffective Decentralization System which excludes the traditional leaders and refuses to allow the people to elect their own District Chief Executives whom they can hold accountable
    • An Adversarial Political System in which the two main political parties have indulged in violence since independence and thus refuse to reach consensus for national development
    • The Short Tenure of the Executive and Legislature which does not promote long term planning and execution for meaningful development
    • An expensive electoral system which engenders corruption and prevents well-meaning and qualified candidates from offering themselves for governance
    • The Lack of a National Agenda for development and dependence on party manifestoes thus ignoring the Directive Principles of State Policy. Development is thus not progressive but disjointed and depends on which party is in power
    • A Council of State which is merely advisory and has no power to serve as a check on the Executive
    • A National Mindset of Dependency Syndrome and Entitlement Mentality which has resulted in lack of effective mobilization of the populace by the political and traditional leadership. A national psyche that does not promote self-reliance and the can-do spirit
    • A Governance System which tries to copy Westminster and American systems instead of a home-grown system which suits our situation and promotes development
    • An Educational System that fails to build problem-solving abilities and patriotism into the youth and fails to make them proud of being Africans
    • A Very Strong Religious Atmosphere which feeds on superstition and does not enable the teeming members to transform their mindset and focus on teachings which promote hard work, wealth creation and prosperity
  • The Makings of A Diplomatist: The Memoirs of Alexander Quaison-Sackey (Hardcover)

    The book is a thrilling – albeit incomplete – life story, elegantly written. Starting from the author’s elementary school days at his birthplace, Winneba, where he obtained a distinction certificate at the Standard 7 school leaving Examinations, the Book takes the reader through the author’s sojourn at Mfantsipim Secondary School where he became Senior Prefect in his final year through Achimota College, where he became President of the Students’ Christian Movement (SCM), through Exeter College Oxford University where he served as President of the West African Students’ Union (WASU) through his years as a Labour officer in Ghana, his training as a pioneer career diplomat followed by a two-year stint as Head of Chancery in the Ghana High Commission in London up to his appointment as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations where he created history by becoming the First Black African to assume the Presidency of the UN General Assembly. A discerning factor in this historical account is obviously the author’s natural leadership endowment which was manifested again later in his accession to the lay Presidency of the Methodist Church of Ghana (not recorded in the Book).

    The greater part of the Book gives an exciting and insightful bird’s eye view of the author’s exertions at the UN during his tenure as Ambassador and Permanent Representative on such then burning issues as decolonisation, the Congo Crisis, Apartheid in South Africa, Cuban Missile Crisis, Arab-Israeli Conflict and the UN Financial Crisis of 1964 which nearly paralysed the Organisation. These are all issues of historical interest, particularly for research students in international affairs.

    The book ends with the author’s post-UN appointment as Foreign Minister of Ghana, his later incarceration, and subsequent release which enabled him to proceed to London to complete his law studies. Altogether a very interesting and instructive personal history that makes compelling and absorbing reading.

  • The Consultant

    **Available from 23 June, 2022

    Consider this book the ultimate ‘How To’ compilation on a work area which has become extremely popular and lucrative in recent years — Consulting. The content of this book reflects the Author’s personal and professional consulting experience spanning over forty years, on work that has taken him to various African countries, the United Kingdom, the USA and Singapore.

    This book’s primary objective is to share the experience of a seasoned professional to promote Consulting as a vocation. It can truly be described as a manual and a set of guidelines for all Consultants. It particularly targets aspiring and young practicing individuals in the field.

    The Author, Dr. Joseph E. Bannerman, describes his work journey so far with his firm, Plan Consult, as exciting , full of dynamic encounters with a host of professionals from different backgrounds, government ministries, departments and organisations within both the public and private sector. His work has resulted in new and reviewed policies of various national sectors to the greater advantage of the beneficiaries of his expertise, of which he is most proud.

    The structure of this book adopts a ‘Project Planning Approach’ which the author calls ‘The Consulting Cycle’ and reinforces its credentials as one’s go-to ‘How To’ directional guide on Consulting. The arrangement of the chapters reflect the rich life experiences of the Author and follows his journey step by step to organically take the reader through advancing progressively in their consulting career.

    The Consultant

    250.00
  • The UT Story: Humble Beginnings – Vol 1 (Hardcover)

    How does an Army Captain who failed to obtain a ₵20 million (about $20,000) loan from the banks, set up a successful finance house and cause such a monumental paradigm shift to the lending culture of a country?

    Capt. Prince Kofi Amoabeng(Rtd) defied the odds to found Unique Trust Financial Services Limited, which was later rebranded to UT Financial Services Limited and metamorphosed into a Bank (UT Bank) under the UT Holdings Umbrella together with subsidiaries in Germany, South Africa and Nigeria.

    In this first instalment of a series of memoirs, PK, as he was affectionately called by his fiercely loyal and dedicated team, shares an inspiring, in-depth, no-holds-barred, behind the scenes, unabashed account of how and what made UT a household name and impacted so many lives.

    Written with George Bentum Essiaw, a tenacious, talented writer and filmmaker, The UT Story: Humble Beginnings is replete with profound lessons in entrepreneurship and leadership, employing an effective mixture of orthodox and unorthodox methods grounded firmly in time-tested military principles.

    Whatever your background or occupation, this book will fascinate and inspire you to dare.

  • The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense (Hardcover)

    “Read this book, strengthen your resolve, and help us all return to reason.”  JORDAN PETERSON

    *USA TODAY NATIONAL BESTSELLER*

    There’s a war against truth… and if we don’t win it, intellectual freedom will be a casualty.

    The West’s commitment to freedom, reason, and true liberalism has never been more seriously threatened than it is today by the stifling forces of political correctness.

    Dr. Gad Saad, the host of the enormously popular YouTube show THE SAAD TRUTH, exposes the bad ideas—what he calls “idea pathogens”—that are killing common sense and rational debate. Incubated in our universities and spread through the tyranny of political correctness, these ideas are endangering our most basic freedoms—including freedom of thought and speech.

    The danger is grave, but as Dr. Saad shows, politically correct dogma is riddled with logical fallacies. We have powerful
    weapons to fight back with—if we have the courage to use them.

    A provocative guide to defending reason and intellectual freedom and a battle cry for the preservation of our fundamental rights, The Parasitic Mind will be the most controversial and talked-about book of the year.

  • A Memoir of a Pragmatic Ghanaian Diplomat

    A Memoir of a Pragmatic Ghanaian Diplomat has fulfilled one of the author’s dreams since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Accra, in October 1974.

    The book gives brief historical analyses of the Ga Adangme ethnic group of Ghana and Ghana as a former colony under British rule, 1844-1957. It traces the author’s early years and schooling, his undergraduate and post-graduate studies at the University of Ghana, Legon (1982-86 & 1989-90), as well as his studies at the University of Sierra-Leone (IPAM), Freetown (1992) and the China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing (2010).

    The book touches on the author’s diplomatic career in Japan, the Russian Federation, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Great Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, where he served in various capacities, the last position being Minister, in Tripoli. It also depicts the author’s private life as a Chorister and Member of the Ghana Red Cross Society.

    The book further deals with the author’s assignments as Deputy Director of Passports, Deputy Director of State Protocol Office and his attachment to the office of His Excellency Alhaji Aliu Mahama (of blessed memory), former Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana. The book chronicles other duties the author performed at the Foreign Ministry, Accra, namely, in Administration, Finance and Accounts, Inspectorate and Audit, Americas, Europe, Africa & Regional Integration, International Organisations and Conferences, Information and Linguistics, as well as Middle East and Asia Bureaux.

    The book reviews risks, uncertainties and pressures in the Diplomatic Service and how to deal with them. It chronicles the rights, responsibilities and obligations of Diplomats, as well as the essence of doing things befitting the status of Diplomats.

    In the penultimate chapter, the author makes a proposal for the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Practical Training Institute in Acera to deal exclusively with practical diplomacy, diplomatic orientation and preparation of ambassadors-designate and officers for postings to Ghana Missions abroad, to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, professionalism and sense of curiosity in diplomatic assignments abroad and at home.

    The author retired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in February 2011, having worked for almost 36 years – his last post in Accra being Director of the Middle East and Asia Bureau of the Foreign Ministry.

    The author was married to Mrs. Dorothy Nana Ama Allotey (of blessed memory) and has four children: David, Mavis, Deborah and Ruth. Mr. Allotey’s book, Ghana’s Foreign Policy in Comparison with That of Japan and Russia Since 1960 is a good textbook for students of International Relations and Diplomacy and all who desire to understand the intricate workings of foreign policy and their effects on our daily lives.

  • The Baobab: A Journal of the Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana (Vol 2, No 2 – July 2020)

    IN THIS ISSUE

    From the Managing Editor

    Editorial

    Members in the News

    Covid-19: 10 Policy Priorities for Africa’s Recovery, Growth and Transformation

    The Eco and West African Monetary History

    Nkechi S. Owoo

    Special Review Essays and Features on: Ghana, Liberia and Africa in Historical Transitions

    Renaming the Gold Coast Ghana

    Kabral Blay-Amihere

    Still Contested After All these Years

    David Owusu-Ansah

    Ghana: The Secession Movement and the Trans-Volta Togoland

    Boni Yao Gebe

    Charles Taylor’s Journey into Exile and Prison

    DK Osei

    Perspectives-Five Decades of Africa’s Development

    KY Amoako

    About the Contributors

    Editorial Policy and Guidelines

    History of the CFR-Ghana

  • The Baobab: A Journal of the Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana (Vol 1, No 1 – January 2020)

    IN THIS ISSUE

    From the President of the Council

    Editorial

    The Need for a Diplomatic Think Tank

    Ambassador James Victor Gbeho

    Council on Foreign Relations Overdue

    HE Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana

    Kofi Annan Biography

    Memories of a Good Man from Africa

    Amb Patrick Hayford

    Getting to Know Kofi Annan

    Excerpts from A Conversation With Mary Chinery-Hesse

    (Interview by Lady Ann-Essumạn)

    Kofi Annan, Africa and the Responsibility to Protect

    Ramesh Thakur

    Ghana in United Nations Peace Operations, A Tool of its Foreign Policy

    Colonel Festus Boahen Aboagye (Retired)

    Peacekeeping Experiences, Creating National Bonds

    Major General HK Anyidoho (Retired)

    Rethinking a New Global Order

    V Antwi-Danso, PhD

    Partnerships for Peace in West Africa and the Sahel: Challenges and Opportunities

    Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas

    About the Contributors

    Editorial Policy and Guildlines

    History of CFR-Ghana

  • Kuenyehia on Entrepreneurship: A Textbook on Ghanaian Entrepreneurship with Real Life Success Stories

    Kuenyehia on Entrepreneurship is a ground-breaking resource for students of Entrepreneurship, focusing on local content from Ghana, one of the World’s fastest growing economies.

    Part textbook, part reference book for enthusiasts of entrepreneurship, it adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, covering an amalgam of business subjects including human resource management, organizational behaviour, operations management, strategy, marketing, finance and law. Assuming no prior knowledge of business, it illustrates fundamental concepts with practical examples drawn from research conducted in Ghana, occasionally supplemented by anecdotes from global companies such as Apple and Google.

    Key to its uniqueness is a wide-ranging collection of profiles of successful Ghanaian entrepreneurs as well as sections on particular challenges for prospective investors in Ghana – local content which makes this Ghanaian textbook on entrepreneurship a must-read for both Ghanaian students of entrepreneurship and investors with an interest in the Ghanaian economic renaissance.
  • Corporate Governance: The Boardroom, The Bottom Line & Beyond (Hardcover)

    Foreword by Sam Esson Jonah KBE, OSG

    “This book…provides key explanations …to enlighten practising directors and corporate lawyers on modern and international trends in their…work. I personally admire how the author skillfully and seamlessly combines three broad subject areas: law, finance and history to make a strong case for modern corporate lawyers to be specialists in finance; for boards of directors to be knowledgeable in finance and law; and for students to be futuristic in their career planning…[T]his publication has all the necessary ingredients to support the central bank’s agenda to strengthen corporate governance structures and practices across all segments of the banking industry in Ghana.” — Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana; in-coming 2020 Chair of the Board of Governors of the Bretton Woods Institutions

    “A superb, masterful and much-needed contribution to a critically important subject. Robert Nii Arday Clegg’s meticulously researched and expertly delivered work is groundbreaking in the Ghanaian context. It is a must-read for any professional who is serious about truly understanding the nuances inherent in the concept of corporate governance and the principal elements of a director’s fiduciary duties. Corporate Governance: The Boardroom, The Bottom Line & Beyond could not have been written at a more propitious time. It inspires an enlightened perspective that will produce corporate governance cognoscenti in the classrooms and boardrooms of Ghana for a very long time.” — Kwabena Osei-Boateng, Chairman, IC Asset Managers (Ghana) Limited; Member, Oxford University Alumni Board

    “An absolute masterpiece…well-researched and provides deep insights into an area where many who believe they understand barely scratch the surface. Corporate governance is particularly relevant in many facets of developing economies like ours and I daresay this book will educate many beyond the borders of this country. I have read many books on the subject and this ranks right up there with the best of them. Much as I expected a great job, I must say that Clegg managed to exceed that expectation. Well done for providing living water to our thirsty land.” — Antoinette Kwofie, Executive Director, Finance, Barclays Bank Ghana (Part of the Absa Family)

    “This book will give its readers a strong intellectual basis to appreciate the concepts currently shaping corporate governance practices. It is a brilliant toolkit on how to become an effective supervisor. A required reading for a person making rules on corporate policy, currently operating in a boardroom or aspiring to operate from one soon.” —  Winston Nelson Jr., Member, Governing Council, Ghana Fixed Income Market; Former Director, Ghana Stock Exchange

    “A very powerful and thought-provoking read on one of the biggest topics of our time. Corporate governance shapes our society to a greater extent than many of us might think and Clegg does an excellent job of introducing the topic with its attendant objectives and underpinning philosophies.” — Fridrik Arsælsson, Partner, Rettur-Adalsteinsson & Partners; Alternate Board Member, Financial Supervisory Authority of Iceland; Adjunct Professor, The Faculty of Law, University of Iceland

  • Management Projects: Design, Research, And Presentation

    The purpose of this book is to help undergraduate and postgraduate students of business management and business-related professional qualifications with their research projects. Information is given on: the nature and purpose of projects – what a project is, and how to do it; research methodology – how to discover new knowledge and how to test it for reliability; classic examples of management research; and reporting the research – how to present the findings to clients so as to prompt them to take the desired actions.

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