Mr. Roland Acquah-Stevens
Managing Director at Common Sense Solutions - Member of the Steering Committee
Roland Acquah-Steven is a seasoned leader at the intersection of media, governance, political advisory, and international negotiations, with over two decades of experience shaping national and cross-continental conversations. His career reflects a rare ability to combine continuity and change, weaving together strategic insight, trust-building, and cross-cultural competence to drive transformation in both public and private sectors.
Beginning his professional journey in journalism, Roland served as Head of News and Current Affairs at Radio Gold, where for over a decade he framed national debates and produced one of Ghana’s most influential morning shows. He later transitioned into roles spanning business, international negotiations, and governance, consistently leveraging media and strategy as tools for leadership and institutional strengthening.
His leadership is underpinned by lifelong learning at world-leading institutions. He has undertaken the Advanced Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, the Oxford Programme on Negotiation at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University. Roland also completed the International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM), studying across Lancaster University (UK), McGill University (Canada), Yokohama National University (Japan), FGV EBAPE (Brazil), and IIM Bangalore (India). Additional studies include the Harvard Kennedy School’s programme in Shaping Health Policy, an MBA in Healthcare Management (CASS Europe / Ghana Technology University College), and advanced qualifications in international marketing, management, and law.
Roland’s distinctiveness lies not only in his credentials but in his mindset: he combines the reflective insight of a journalist, the analytical discipline of a strategist, the collaborative instincts of a negotiator, and the action-oriented drive of a cross-cultural leader.
Within AFDEG, Roland chairs the Media Innovation & Governance Communication Track, where he will lead efforts to harness media, digital platforms, and strategic communications to strengthen governance, amplify African voices in global policy dialogues, and inspire trust in public leadership. His role ensures that AFDEG’s outputs are not only policy-sound but also effectively communicated, widely accessible, and capable of shaping continental and international discourse.