Tertiary Business Sense Challenge: ICAG commits to developing next generation business leaders

The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a new generation of ethical, competent and innovative business leaders through its partnership with the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge (TBSC).

The commitment was reiterated by ICAG Chief Executive Officer, Eric Oduro Osae, FCA, at the grand finale of the eighth edition of the national competition held at Zenith University College in Accra.

‘We are investing in people’

According to Mr Osae, ICAG’s involvement in the competition goes far beyond sponsoring an academic contest or identifying winners.

He described the initiative as an investment in young people, providing them with early exposure, intellectual development, mentorship and leadership opportunities before they enter the professional world.

“Our investment in the Tertiary Business Sense Challenge is, fundamentally, an investment in people.”

He said platforms such as the TBSC are critical to building the skills required to compete in an increasingly complex global economy.

From classroom knowledge to real-world business

The TBSC, organised by Graphic Business in partnership with ICAG, is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical business challenges.

The competition tests students’ knowledge across areas including accounting, finance, economics, taxation, management and business law, while also placing emphasis on critical thinking, teamwork, communication and problem-solving.

ICAG believes these competencies are increasingly important as graduates enter a business environment shaped by technology, global competition and rapid economic changes.

‘Every profession needs an accountant’

Mr Osae also challenged the traditional perception of accountancy as simply a profession centred on numbers and bookkeeping.

He explained that the modern Chartered Accountant has become a strategic business partner involved in decision-making, risk management, governance and sustainable organisational growth.

“Every profession needs an accountant,” he emphasised, arguing that doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs and professionals in other fields all make decisions with financial and commercial implications.

ICAG pushes mentorship and leadership development

The ICAG CEO urged tertiary students to engage early with the accountancy profession and take advantage of opportunities offered through the ICAG Students’ Association.

Such opportunities, he said, could expose students to mentorship, professional networking, career guidance and interaction with experienced Chartered Accountants.

He further encouraged students to develop qualities beyond academic excellence, including integrity, communication, leadership, professional discipline and sound judgement.

UCC emerges national champion

The eighth edition of the TBSC ended with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) emerging as national champions.

UCC finished the grand finale ahead of the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, reclaiming the title after previously winning the competition in 2019 and 2021.

The victory capped weeks of intense competition involving tertiary institutions from across Ghana and highlighted the depth of business and analytical talent emerging from the country’s universities.

A pipeline for Ghana’s future leaders

For ICAG, the significance of the TBSC extends well beyond the trophy.

The institute says continued investment in such initiatives will help identify talent early, strengthen professional capacity and equip young Ghanaians with the skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to national development.

As Ghana looks toward a future increasingly driven by innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge-based industries, the message from ICAG is clear: the next generation of business leaders must be prepared long before they occupy the boardroom.