Accra, April 8, GNA - Mr Mathias Akotia, Chief Executive Officer of Brand Ghana, on Wednesday pointed out that the absence of a national identity and competitive strategy for Ghana would not get the country where it wants to be.

He therefore announced plans by Brand Ghana to embark on a domestic campaign that sought to make Ghanaians become more patriotic people with a common mindset to establish a compelling image for the country. Mr Akotia said this when he gave a presentation during the 31st Annual Management Day organized by the University of Ghana Business School on the theme "Strong Brands for a Strong Nation." The Annual Management Day event is held to enable students to interact with those in industry and policy makers about various management ideas.

"Ghana's reputation and citizenship capital are imperative to our strategic development.the process of citizenship development must therefore be conscious and proactive," he stressed. .. Mr Akotia expressed worry that there was no consciously espoused shared values and common vision in Ghana and blamed it on too much of division among the people.

He announced his office's preparedness to work with all citizens of Ghana to develop and implement a proactive and integrated internal and international brand strategy and called on Ghanaians to support the idea. Mr David Venn, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana, sharing the Vodafone branding experience in Ghana said consumers or customers were the most important part of branding since the success of a brand depended on customers.

He therefore urged companies and organizations to give their consumers quality products and services and mentioned that Vodafone was adjudged the 7th best Company in terms of brands worldwide. Professor Kwesi Yankah, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, said branding or maintaining of a good image was not solely the responsibility of management but a collective responsibility. He urged the University of Ghana Business School to strive to allow the best business practices imparted to students to also permeate the culture of work within the university. 8 April 10