Few days ago, the Melcom Group of Companies, Ghana’s largest retail chain with over three decades of market presence, has appointed former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, as Communications and Strategy Consultant, a move industry watchers say reflects a maturing synergy between foreign-owned enterprises and local expertise.
For analysts, the move is more than a human resource decision; it signals a blueprint for how multinational or foreign-founded brands in Ghana can leverage local industry veterans to deepen market relevance. Such partnerships offer dual benefits, companies gain authentic market insight and social capital, while the broader economy benefits from knowledge transfer and stronger corporate citizenship.
Melcom’s CSR track record further strengthens this narrative. The company has invested over GH₵ 20 million in the past decade in health, medication, and environmental initiatives, demonstrating how private-sector engagement can complement national development goals.
As competition in Ghana’s retail sector intensifies with e-commerce growth, shifting consumer preferences, and new entrants the appointment reflects a strategic balancing act between international business models and local market intelligence.
Whether this is the “way to go” for Ghana’s B2B ecosystem will depend on sustained collaboration, transparent governance, and measurable impact on both business growth and community development. But Melcom’s model suggests that fusing local expertise with global operational discipline may well be the formula for long-term relevance in West Africa’s evolving retail space.
Announced during Melcom’s 36th anniversary celebrations, the appointment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to embedding Ghanaian leadership at the heart of its strategy. Management says Dr. Awal will be instrumental in strengthening brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication in what is becoming an increasingly competitive retail landscape.
“Melcom has survived for over 35 years because of a winning strategy one rooted in understanding the market and customer expectations. If you understand what customers want, you can deliver better than your competitors.” Dr. Awal told journalists.
