Richard Appiah, Protocol Officer at the Consulate General of Lithuania, has called for a bold new wave of visionary, people-centred leadership within Africa’s public service, describing it as essential to the continent’s long-term progress.
Addressing diplomats, policymakers, and public sector leaders at the 4th Africa Public Service Optimum (APSO) Awards on Wednesday, Mr. Appiah said Africa had arrived at a defining “inflection point” — one that demands a decisive departure from outdated administrative systems
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“The changes we face—democratic shifts, technological evolution, and environmental pressures—have been a long time coming,” he told the audience at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. “They demand a new kind of leadership in our public service. The old paradigms are no longer sufficient. What we need now is leadership that is visionary, courageous, and empathetic.”
He stressed that unlocking Africa’s full potential hinges on public institutions embracing innovation, citizen-centred governance, and reforms that break down obsolete structures.
“The journey to an equitable, prosperous, and truly integrated Africa runs through the hallways of our public institutions,” he noted. “This is the moment to forge the insights, strategies, and commitments necessary to transform efficient public service delivery into a continental reality.”
The APSO Awards, organised by The Business Executive Media Group, celebrates outstanding performance and leadership within Africa’s public sector. This year’s edition honoured several notable Ghanaian and continental leaders for their contributions to national and institutional development.
Ghanaian Awardees Included:
• Frame Asante – Acting Managing Director, Quality Control Company Ltd (COCOBOD)
• Edward Ekow Obeng-Kenzo – Director-General, Volta River Authority
• Grace Asamdah Agyemang – District Chief Executive, Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly
• Maxwell Ampong – Chief Executive Officer, Maxwell Investments Group
• John Evans Kumordzie – Municipal Chief Executive, Akuapem North Municipal Assembly
• Sandra Ativor – Head of Accreditation Maintenance, Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
The ceremony also spotlighted excellence from across the continent, honouring figures such as Christine Nimwesiga, Registrar of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, and Joël Nianzou, President of Côte d’Ivoire’s Digital Platform (PNCI).
The Business Executive Media Group, publishers of The Business Executive magazine, also spearheads several influential platforms, including the African Women Leadership & Entrepreneurs Congress and the Africa’s Most Respected CEOs Award
