Kudekor, Asieduaa, Abidoo, Amo-Hene, Ofori-Adjei, Dr. Asamani, Kudjordji headline ICEDEG-Africa Policy Dialogue Roundtable

A distinguished panel of experts drawn from media, governance, taxation, climate finance, industry and development practice will headline the upcoming ICEDEG-Africa Policy Dialogue Roundtable scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026. The speakers include Maxwell Kudekor, Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association in the Eastern Region; Ellen Ofosu Asieduaa, Executive Secretary of ICEDEG-Africa; Kwesi Yamoah Abidoo, Policy Lead for Climate Finance and Energy Transition at the Institute of Climate and Environmental Governance; Richard Amo-Hene, Chartered Accountant and Tax Compliance and Audit Expert; Michael Ofori-Adjei, Executive Secretary of the Frozen Foods Association of Ghana; Dr. Mercedes Rowe Asamani, a governance and development expert; and Sophia Kudjordji, IJM, APR, Senior Public Relations & Communications Expert.

The virtual engagement, which runs from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., is being organised by the Iustum Center for Democracy and Governance (ICEDEG-Africa), a non-profit policy, democracy and governance think tank dedicated to strengthening accountable institutions and promoting evidence-based policymaking across Africa. It will be held under the theme “Economic Confidence and Fiscal Expectations: Stakeholder Perspectives Ahead of Ghana’s 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.”

According to ICEDEG-Africa, the Policy Dialogue Roundtable is designed to focus on solutions, assess the performance and economic impact of Budget 2026, and produce a policy brief to influence the Ministry of Finance and government policy within the current fiscal cycle. The think tank announced that the engagement will be streamed live via Google Meet in the Africa/Abidjan time zone through [https://meet.google.com/dnt-bmnp-heh](https://meet.google.com/dnt-bmnp-heh). Participants may also join by dialing ‪(ZA) +27 10 823 1043‬ and entering the PIN ‪630 456 041‬#, with additional dial-in options available at [https://tel.meet/dnt-bmnp-heh?pin=2455997660691](https://tel.meet/dnt-bmnp-heh?pin=2455997660691). The event will also be broadcast live on the ICEDEG-Africa YouTube Channel at [https://www.youtube.com/@ICEDEGAFRICALBG](https://www.youtube.com/@ICEDEGAFRICALBG) and across all official ICEDEG-Africa LBG social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and WhatsApp.

Profile of experts/speakers

Prince David Orchill

Prince David Orchill is the National Chairman, DVLA Workers Union. He is a Certified Professional ADR Practitioner and a seasoned finance and communications professional.

He is the National Chairman for the NUGS ALUMNI Association.

He also serves as Senior Finance Officer at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Accra, and is the National Chairman of the DVLA Workers Union. He also chairs the DVLA Cooperative Credit Union Board (2024) and serves as Finance Secretary of the DVLA Finance Staff Association.

With an MPhil in Accounting (University of Ghana) and an MA in Development Communication (GIJ), Prince brings a rare blend of fiscal discipline, labour advocacy, and strategic communication. His leadership philosophy—rooted in peace, unity, and constructive labour‑management engagement—has made him a trusted voice in Ghana’s public sector industrial relations.

As a former National Officer of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) and founding Executive Director of NSA Ghana, he has deep experience in youth advocacy and governance.

At this roundtable, he will offer a worker‑centric perspective on Ghana’s fiscal trajectory, economic confidence, and the role of public sector unions in shaping sustainable national development.

Mercedes Rowe Asamani (PhD)

Mercedes is the founder of GreenLead, organizers of the African Climate Leaders Fellowship. Her expertise and work over the years sit at the intersection of climate impacts, environmental and energy governance, youth inclusion and social vulnerability.
She has over 9 years of experience and demonstrated success in policy development and analysis, sustainability research, stakeholder engagement, public and private service, and program management across the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Maxwell Kudekor

Maxwell Kudekor is a journalist and development communication specialist with over two decades of professional experience in print, broadcast, and digital communication. He is widely recognized for his expertise in strategic communication, media management, and development-focused storytelling.
He is a former Eastern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and a former National Council Member of the Association, where he contributed to advancing journalistic standards, professional development, and media advocacy in Ghana.

In 2023, he served as Interim Management Committee Chairman of the GIMPA Law Students Association, where he provided leadership during a critical transitional period. In this role, he supervised the development and adoption of a new constitution for the association, helping to restore stability and strengthen student governance at the GIMPA Law School.

Maxwell also serves as a consultant in strategic media and public relations, crisis communication, internal communications, events management, and project coordination. He has worked with several institutions, providing advisory support in reputation management, communication strategy, and stakeholder engagement.

He holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communication from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He also holds an International Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from Cambridge International College, United Kingdom.

In addition, he has obtained a Certificate in Data Journalism from DW Akademie and a Professional Certificate in Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo, School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
Maxwell is a Fellow of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States and a member of the Ghana Journalists Association. He continues to contribute to the advancement of media practice, communication strategy, and professional journalism in Ghana and beyond.

Sophia Kudjordji

Sophia Kudjordji is a distinguished Senior Public Relations Expert and a multi-award-winning communications leader, celebrated for her remarkable contributions to the communications industry in Ghana and across Africa. With a proven track record of building high-performing PR functions and teams within some of Ghana’s most prominent organizations, Sophia currently serves as the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at the Jospong Group of Companies.

Her leadership, recognized through numerous awards, underscores her commitment to excellence in corporate communications. Sophia’s expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including journalism, public relations, development communication, sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and climate change advocacy. She inspires the next generation of communication leaders in Africa through mentorship.

Her academic pursuits include an MPhil in Strategic Public Relations Management; a Master’s degree in Development Communication; an MBA in Leadership and Sustainability, a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology, and a Diploma in Journalism. She serves on a number of boards, including the Human Trafficking Management Board under the Ministry of Gender.

She is a Deaconess at the Church of Pentecost, and an advocate for women and your empowerment.

Richard Amo-Hene, CA, MCIT

Richard Amo-Hene is a distinguished tax practitioner, chartered accountant, legal professional-in-training, and digital transformation expert with over fifteen years of experience spanning taxation, financial management, audit, regulatory compliance, and business advisory services. He possesses a unique multidisciplinary background that combines expertise in law, accounting, taxation, data protection, and technology-driven business solutions, enabling him to provide strategic guidance to organizations operating in complex regulatory and commercial environments.

He is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Ghana (CITG), where he is recognized as a Chartered Tax Practitioner. He is currently pursuing the Professional Law Course (Part II) at the Ghana School of Law, having previously obtained a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). His academic and professional credentials are further strengthened by an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cape Coast.

Throughout his career, Richard has advised and supported a diverse portfolio of local and multinational organizations across the banking, telecommunications, manufacturing, energy, and public sectors. He has held senior positions including Head of Finance, Auditor, and Tax Consultant, where he has consistently delivered value through strategic tax planning, financial reporting, audit assurance, regulatory compliance, and business transformation initiatives.

Widely respected for his expertise in tax advisory and controversy management, Richard has successfully guided organizations through complex tax audits, investigations, compliance reviews, and dispute resolution processes. His ability to navigate intricate tax and regulatory frameworks has enabled clients to mitigate risks, optimize tax positions, and strengthen corporate governance structures while maintaining compliance with statutory obligations.

A forward-thinking innovator, Richard has emerged as a leading voice in Ghana’s digital tax transformation landscape. In 2025, he led a multidisciplinary team of software developers in the design and implementation of Ghana’s first comprehensive tax software solution capable of supporting both tax compliance and tax audit functions. This groundbreaking innovation significantly streamlined tax administration processes, enhanced compliance management, improved audit efficiency, and positioned him as a pioneer in the integration of technology into tax administration and regulatory compliance.
Beyond taxation and finance, Richard is an accredited Data Protection Trainer certified by the Data Protection Commission of Ghana. He has played a significant role in building capacity in data protection and privacy compliance across both public and private sector institutions. As a seasoned trainer and facilitator, he has trained numerous executives pursuing Certified Data Protection Supervisor certification and has contributed to national digital skills development by training more than 155 Data Protection Officers under Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme.

Richard’s expertise extends across financial reporting under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), corporate taxation, tax controversy and dispute resolution, audit and assurance, data protection compliance, digital transformation, enterprise systems implementation, risk management, and strategic leadership. His ability to integrate legal, financial, technological, and regulatory perspectives allows him to provide holistic solutions to complex organizational challenges.

Known for his analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and commitment to professional excellence, Richard is passionate about leveraging innovation, technology, and regulatory expertise to drive organizational growth, strengthen governance frameworks, and improve operational efficiency. He continues to contribute to the advancement of tax administration, financial management, legal practice, and data protection compliance in Ghana while mentoring the next generation of professionals in these critical fields.

His professional interests include tax policy and administration, financial regulation, corporate governance, digital transformation, legal compliance, data protection and privacy, fintech innovation, public sector modernization, and institutional capacity building.

Ofosu Asieduaa Ellen

Ofosu Asieduaa Ellen is an emerging legal professional, communications practitioner, and administrative specialist with diverse experience spanning legal services, media management, public relations, administration, customer service, and stakeholder engagement. She possesses a strong foundation in legal research, case management, document preparation, strategic communication, and public engagement, developed through her work with law firms, public institutions, media organizations, and the private sector.

Currently pursuing professional legal training at the Ghana School of Law, Ellen combines her academic legal background with practical experience in litigation support, client relations, mediation assistance, legal documentation, and media leadership. Her professional journey includes serving as Managing Editor of The Evening Mail, where she oversees editorial operations, content development, and publication management. She has also served as a Public Relations Officer at the Ablekuma Customary Land Secretariat, a Paralegal at Cudjoe & Dotse, Barristers and Solicitors, a National Service Personnel with the Legal Aid Commission in Sunyani, and an Administrative Officer at Keteke Express Logistics Company Limited.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional organizational, analytical, and interpersonal abilities, successfully managing administrative processes, coordinating public education and outreach initiatives, supporting legal practitioners, engaging stakeholders, and leading communication and editorial functions. Her experience across the legal, media, and public sectors has equipped her with strong writing, research, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to thrive in dynamic and multidisciplinary environments.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Degree from the Central University and is currently pursuing the Qualifying Certificate in Law at the Ghana School of Law. She is passionate about advancing justice, promoting informed public discourse, and contributing to organizational excellence through professionalism, integrity, and effective leadership.

Kwesi Yamoah Abaidoo

Kwesi Yamoah Abaidoo is currently a Policy Lead for Climate Finance and Energy Transition at the Institute of Climate and Environmental Governance (ICEG). In this role, he has been leading research, policy analysis, and advocacy on Ghana’s power and petroleum sectors, energy transition, and climate finance frameworks. He has over ten years of experience working in energy economics, regulatory policy, climate finance, and resource governance.

He is also the Founder and Lead Research Consultant at Streamfield Research Consult Ltd, where he has been undertaking multiple research initiatives involving energy demand modelling, industrial energy transitions, and policy impact assessments. His consultancy role has included providing technical support to some members of Ghana’s Parliamentary Energy Committee on energy sector levies, tariff reforms, and power sector restructuring mechanisms.

Yamoah is a certified Chartered Energy Economist and has dual Master’s Degrees from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST): one in Economics, majoring in Energy and Natural Resource Economics, and another in Strategic Management and Leadership. Currently, he is undertaking an LLM in Energy Law at the University of Ghana. His academic profile, which cuts across economics, law, and governance, makes him uniquely placed to contribute to discussions on the 2026 MidYear Budget Review.

Yamoah is widely published in national media on electricity tariffs, energy sector sustainability, emission levies, and energy transition financing, and regularly engages policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders on reform-oriented solutions.

Michael Obiri-Adjei

Michael Obiri-Adjei is the Executive Secretary of the EXIM Frozen Foods Association of Ghana. He is a trade policy advocate whose work focuses on advancing the interests of businesses operating within Ghana’s import, export, logistics, and supply chain sectors.

Over the years, he has been actively involved in engagements on trade facilitation, customs administration, port efficiency, taxation, and regulatory reforms, advocating policies that promote competitiveness, reduce the cost of doing business, and support sustainable economic growth. Through his leadership roles, he has become a prominent voice within Ghana’s trade ecosystem, regularly engaging policymakers and industry stakeholders on matters affecting commerce and international trade.

Beyond his trade advocacy, Obiri-Adjei is a rights activist who believes that sound economic policy, accountable governance, and effective institutions are essential to national development. His work is guided by the conviction that public policy should create opportunities for enterprise, protect livelihoods, and foster an environment in which businesses can contribute meaningfully to economic transformation.

As Executive Secretary of the EXIM Frozen Foods Association of Ghana, he continues to champion reforms aimed at improving Ghana’s trade ecosystem, strengthening private sector participation, and ensuring that fiscal and regulatory policies reflect the practical realities of businesses operating across the country’s supply chains.

At the ICEDEG Africa Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, he will share perspectives on the impact of fiscal policy on trade, industry, logistics, and private sector growth, drawing on the experiences of businesses engaged in trade activities across Ghana.