The Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management Ghana (CIHRM) is calling on human resource professionals to uphold ethical leadership, accountability and responsible use of authority as the profession takes on a more strategic role in shaping workplace governance and organizational performance.
Speaking at the CIHRM’26 Conference in Accra, President of the Institute, Florence Hutchful, cautioned HR practitioners against allowing personal interests to influence decisions that affect businesses, employees and institutional integrity.
She noted that while HR professionals are entrusted with significant authority, that responsibility must be exercised in the interest of organizations rather than individual agendas.
“As HR Professionals we have to acknowledge that the authority entrusted to HR officials carries significant responsibility. Sadly, they’ve been instances where some HR professionals have abused or misused the authority entrusted to them, undermining the very values our profession is supposed to protect,” she stated.
According to her, reports of alleged misconduct within the profession should serve as a wake-up call for stronger accountability mechanisms.
“I have of situations where HR professionals have allegedly used their influence inappropriately leading to decisions that appear to be influenced by self-interest rather than objective organization interest. Very recently, I was informed of an HR manager who was accused of orchestrating the dismissal of certain professionals perceived to be obstacles to the individual’s agenda.”
She added that regardless of whether such allegations are ultimately proven, they underscore the need for ethical leadership and transparency within the HR function.
“Whether such accounts are ultimately substantiated or not, they serve as a reminder of accountability, personal leadership and the responsible exercise of authority within the HR function.”
Mrs. Hutchful also announced the full implementation of the Human Resource Management Professionals Act, 2020 (Act 1020), a move expected to strengthen professionalism and regulatory oversight across Ghana’s HR sector.
“As we announced at the press conference held on the 25 February, this year. We have now entered the full implementation of Act 1020, which mandates the institute to regulate the practice of human rights professionals and promote the professional training in Human Resource Management.”
She reiterated that it is now unlawful for individuals who are not certified members of CIHRM Ghana to perform HR functions, provide professional tuition, train HR practitioners, outsource personnel or offer HR-related services.
The Institute also revealed that, in partnership with the University of Ghana Business School, it is advancing plans to establish Ghana’s first Human Resource Professorial Chair to deepen research, influence policy development and support evidence-based workforce management.
The conference was held on the theme: “Advancing Human Resource Excellence in Ghana: Leadership, Technology and Governance.”
