Ashesi University is delighted to announce that Mrs. Pearl Esua-Mensah has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC).
With over 25 years of distinguished leadership across finance, governance, entrepreneurship, and institutional transformation in Africa and the UK, Pearl brings a wealth of expertise to this role. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK) and holds an MBA from Manchester Business School. Renowned for her commitment to ethical leadership, sustainable development and organisational change, she has consistently delivered impact throughout her career.
Before joining GCIC, Mrs. Esua-Mensah served as Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation, where she played a pivotal role in establishing Ghana’s deposit insurance scheme. Her career includes roles such as Group CEO of Media General and Deputy Managing Director of UT Bank, where she led activities in capital-raising, mergers, and organisational restructuring.
Mrs. Esua-Mensah has made significant contributions to Ashesi University, serving on its Board of Directors from 2013 to 2025, including three years as Chair. During her tenure, she worked closely with fellow board members to strengthen governance and advance Ashesi’s mission of fostering ethical leadership and innovation across Africa.
Her return to Ashesi as Executive Director of GCIC marks a meaningful homecoming, as she continues to empower entrepreneurs and champion institutional resilience, now with an emphasis on climate innovation and sustainability.
“It is a privilege to return to Ashesi through GCIC and to contribute to shaping Ghana’s green and inclusive economy,” said Pearl. “Climate innovation is one of the most transformative opportunities of our generation, and I look forward to collaborating with our partners, entrepreneurs, and the Ashesi community to create lasting, sustainable impact.”
As Mrs. Esua-Mensah assumes this new leadership role, Ashesi University extends heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Ruka Sanusi, the founding Executive Director of GCIC. Over the past eight years, Ms. Sanusi has transformed GCIC into a leading centre for climate entrepreneurship and green innovation in Ghana. Through her vision and dedication, hundreds of climate-focused entrepreneurs have been empowered, national sustainability policy has been influenced, and a strong foundation has been laid for the Centre’s continued growth.
The President of Ashesi University, Dr. Patrick Awuah, remarked, “Pearl Esua-Mensah has been a valued leader in Ashesi’s governance and strategic direction for over a decade. Her proven record in institutional transformation and her dedication to ethical, sustainable leadership make her an exceptional choice to lead GCIC into its next chapter. We also express our deep appreciation to Ruka Sanusi, whose pioneering leadership has shaped GCIC into the impactful institution it is today.”
Global Affairs Canada, GCIC’s current donor agency, stated: “We are confident that Pearl’s proven leadership and financial expertise will be invaluable in scaling GCIC’s impact. Her appointment reaffirms our belief in GCIC as a pivotal force for building a resilient, green economy for Ghana.”