CEO Margaret Ansei hails Ghanaian Enterprises setting benchmarks across Africa at Kaizen Awards

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Ms. Margaret Ansei, has underscored continuous improvement as a crucial driver of business growth and national development.

She made the remarks at the 2025 Ghana National Kaizen Awards in Accra, delivering her first keynote since assuming office.

Ms. Ansei described the awards as more than a celebration of achievement, calling them a testament to “improvement, resilience, and enterprise” across Ghana’s business landscape.

Reflecting on her experience as Municipal Chief Executive for Suhum, she noted that innovation and incremental change were essential when resources were limited. “At first, the changes appeared modest, but over time they transformed the municipality into a stronger, more responsive administration. That was Kaizen in practice – not a theory in a textbook, but a philosophy alive in public service,” she said.

She praised Ghanaian enterprises that have embraced the Kaizen philosophy, highlighting past African and national award winners such as Francis Aluminium in 2021, Tiwajo Enterprise in 2023, and Solution Oasis in 2024. “These achievements demonstrate a simple truth: our enterprises are not merely competing locally, they are setting benchmarks for Africa,” she stated.

Ms. Ansei linked the Kaizen philosophy to President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-hour economy vision, describing Kaizen as the “practical mindset and tools” needed to sustain efficiency, innovation, and productivity in Ghana’s enterprises.

Addressing the finalists, she said, “You represent the very best of Ghanaian innovation and perseverance. Your efforts inspire other businesses to adopt the principles of continuous improvement.”

She also expressed appreciation to key partners such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), and private sector stakeholders for keeping the Kaizen programme alive in Ghana.

Looking ahead, the GEA boss revealed plans to nurture “model Kaizen enterprises in every region of the country,” with the goal of creating decent jobs, strengthening the economy, and preparing Ghanaian businesses for continental and global competitiveness.

“Continuous improvement is not optional – it is the very path to excellence,” she concluded, congratulating nominees and urging them to sustain their Kaizen journey.

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