Vodafone Ghana’s Director of Human Resources, Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, is the 'HR Practitioner of the Year', according to the prestigious HR Focus Awards, which was held over the weekend.

Ashiokai is an accomplished human resource professional with over 18 years of global HR experience in Africa, Europe, and the United States.

Her citation read: ‘’You have given credence to the importance of HR management to an organisation and its face on the management board. Your ability to innovatively lead your people to articulating your organisation’s vision and goals is phenomenal.

"We celebrate your consistency in seeing your organisation grow through its people and for projecting best HR practices in Ghana and beyond.’’

Additionally, Vodafone won awards for the Best Organisation in Recruitment and Selection, Best Organisation in Health Safety and Wellbeing, Best Organisation in Managing Employees through Covid-19 and Most Exemplary Employer (Covid-19 Specific).

Vodafone Ghana's HR Manager for Learning and Development and Rewards, Peter Crabbe, emerged as the 'HR Manager of the Year', while the multiple award-winning Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vodafone Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, was named the 'HR-Oriented CEO of the Year'.

Commenting on the recognition, Ashiokai said, "Being recognised by your colleagues and professional community for an outstanding performance is both humbling and inspiring. Such recognition comes with a lot of consistent hard work.

"This award would not have been possible without the help of my HR team members and the entire Vodafone team. I am aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with such an honour; and will continue to serve as an ambassador of the HR profession.’’

Ashiokai is a people-oriented HR leader who believes employees are the most valuable asset of any organisation and has been very committed to offering equal opportunities, ensuring fairness and driving equity in the workplace.

This was exemplified in Vodafone’s swift response and remarkable leadership in dealing with the Covid-19 crisis.

Under her leadership, Vodafone has introduced some of the best people policies and practices that offer exceptional working conditions and empower them to give their best.

The telecommunications giant has also achieved several notable accomplishments, including being certified as a Top Employer in Africa for three consecutive years.

The annual HR Focus Conference and Awards is designed to bring together top-level executives and business professionals with the aim of shared learning and discussions around a central theme, as well as networking.

The event also celebrates and rewards outstanding HR professionals.