The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and former Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, has emphasised the need for stronger institutions, accountability, and innovative leadership to transform Africa’s public sector and accelerate development across the continent.

Delivering the opening keynote address at the Africa Governments Summit & Public Sector Innovation Awards 2026, held at the Accra Marriott Hotel, Madam Osei-Asare said Africa’s development prospects largely depend on the strength and effectiveness of its public institutions.

The summit brought together policymakers, public sector leaders, development partners, and innovators from across various sectors to discuss ways of strengthening governance and improving public sector performance.

Speaking on the theme “Driving Institutional Excellence and Public Sector Transformation Across Africa,” Madam Osei-Asare stressed that effective governance requires institutions that are transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of citizens.

“Africa’s progress depends largely on the strength of our institutions and the commitment of leaders to champion transparency, efficiency, and reform,” she noted.

She added that platforms such as the summit provide an important opportunity for leaders and policymakers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on practical solutions to drive sustainable development across Africa.

The minister commended the organisers of the summit for convening stakeholders from across the continent to promote innovation, accountability, and excellence in public service.

“Together, we must continue to build institutions that inspire trust, deliver results, and advance the development aspirations of our people,” she said.

Several public and private sector institutions were honoured during the summit for their contributions to innovation, governance, and national development. Among the award recipients was BOST Energies, which won the Public Sector Business Management Team of the Year (Gold Category) and Green Transition Business to Watch (Africa) awards. Its Managing Director, Afetsi Awoonor, also received the Transformational Energy Business Leader of the Year award.

The Ghana Shippers Authority received the Excellence in Trade Facilitation and Shipping Services award, while its Chief Executive Officer, Ransford Edward Gyampo, was honoured as Visionary Leader in Trade Facilitation.

Twellium Industrial Company Limited was recognised for Excellence in Industrial and Manufacturing Innovation, while its Verna Changing Lives Initiative won the Innovative Program for Societal Change Award.

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) secured the Innovative Public Sector Agency of the Year (Pension and Social Protection) award. Its Director-General, Kwesi Afreh Biney, was also named Public Sector CEO of the Year (Social Protection and Pension Management).

In the aviation sector, the Ghana Airports Company Limited was honoured with the Excellence in Airport Infrastructure Development and Management award, while its Managing Director, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, received the Exemplary Leader in Airport Management and Operational Performance recognition.

GoldBod Jewellery Limited received the Public Sector Value-Addition and Gold Industry Innovation Excellence Award, while M&G Pharmaceuticals Limited was recognised for Local Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Supporting National Healthcare Delivery. Its Managing Director, Gopal Vasu, also won the Healthcare Manufacturing Leadership Award.

In the education sector, Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) was named Outstanding University in Technology Education (West Africa), while its Vice-Chancellor, Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, received the Public Sector Technology Education Leadership Award (Africa).

B5 Plus Ltd was recognised for its Heavy Industry Contribution to National Infrastructure Development, with its Founder and CEO, Mukesh V. Thakwani, receiving the Heavy Industry Leadership Award.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) also secured two awards, including Innovative Company of the Year (Power Sector), while its Chief Executive, Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo, received the Transformational Energy Leadership Award.

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was recognised for Excellence in Promoting Sustainable Mining, Forestry, and Land Administration, with the sector minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, honoured as Visionary Leader in Sustainable Land and Natural Resource Governance and African Public Sector Leader of the Year.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) also received multiple honours, including the Innovation and Digital Transformation in Public Enterprise and Public Sector Service Delivery Innovation Excellence Award for its Ultra Service Centres. Its Chief Executive, Julius Neequaye Kotey, was named Public Service Personality of the Year and Outstanding CEO in a State-Owned Enterprise.

The event also featured the Green Mobility & Sustainable Transport Awards Africa 2026, which recognised companies advancing sustainable transport solutions. TAG Transport and Logistics Company Ltd won the Innovative Transport Solutions Company of the Year award, while its Chief Executive Officer, Tony Bonsu, received the Visionary Leadership in Sustainable Transport award.

The Afro-Arab Group of Companies was also honoured, with its CEO and Chairman, Salamu Amadu, receiving the Exemplary Leader in Green Mobility Development award. The company’s Work-and-Pay Electric Vehicle Programme was named Innovative Green Mobility Financing Initiative of the Year.