Richard Appiah, Protocol Officer at the Consulate General of Lithuania, has emphasised the urgent need for transformative leadership in Africa, calling on public servants to embrace empathy, innovation, and vision as key drivers for effective governance and sustainable development.
The call was made at the 4th Africa Public Service Optimum Awards (APSO Awards) 2025, organised by The Business Executive Media Group, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Wednesday.
The media group, which publishes The Business Executive magazine, has established itself as a pan-African platform covering business, finance, diplomacy, and socio-economic development, while also hosting events that recognise and promote excellence in governance and leadership across the continent.
Richard Appiah highlighted the critical role of visionary leadership in Africa’s public service sector, describing the continent as being at a pivotal moment in history.
“Africa stands at an invention point. The changes we face—democratic shifts, technological evolution, and environmental pressures—demand a new kind of leadership in our public service,” Mr Appiah said.
He noted that traditional methods of administration are no longer sufficient in addressing the complex challenges facing African nations today.
“Effective public service in this era requires a shift from transactional management to transformative leadership. Leadership that is visionary, looking beyond the immediate crisis to build sustainable futures. Courageous, embracing innovation and challenging the status quo. Empathetic, placing the needs of our citizens at the very center of our lives,” he said.
Mr. Appiah added that Africa’s journey toward an equitable, prosperous, and integrated future runs through the corridors of public institutions.
He urged public servants to forge new insights, strategies, and commitments that would translate transformative leadership from concept into practical reality.
“Let us use this time to forge the insights, strategies, and renewed commitments necessary to turn this shift of effective public service into our continental reality,” he said.
He also encouraged public servants to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, humility, and service as they seek to improve governance and deliver results that positively impact citizens’ lives.
The APSO Awards ceremony recognises outstanding public institutions and individuals across Africa who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and dedication in public service.
Awardees at the 4th Africa Public Service Optimum Awards included:
· MRS. PATRICIA (GHANA) – SIT BY SPECIAL GUESTS, MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
· PROF. SAMUEL KABA AKORYEA (GHANA) – ACTING DIRECTOR-GENERAL, GHANA HEALTH SERVICE
· MRS. PATIENCE BAFFOE-BONNIE (ESQ.) (GHANA) – DIRECTOR-GENERAL, GHANA PRISONS SERVICE
· MR JULIUS NEEOJAYE KOTEY (GHANA) – THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DVLA
· MADAM ARACELLY SERRANO (COLOMBIA) – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, A & METALS
· HON. FRANCIS-XAVIER KOJO SOSU (GHANA) – MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, LA NKWANTANANG-MADINA MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
· HON. CATHERINE ABLEMA AFEKU (GHANA) – BRAND AMBASSADOR OF AFRICA
· MR. FRAME ASANTE (GHANA) – ACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR, QUALITY CONTROL COMPANY LIMITED (COCOBOD)
· HON. ADAM ABUBAKARI TAKORO (HANA) – TAMALE MAYOR, TAMALE METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY
· PROF. RASNERD EDWARD GYAMPO (ANA) – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GHANA SHIPPERS’ AUTHORITY
· DR. SAMUEL PEPRAH – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PRESTODEA GHANA LIMITED
· ING. EDWARD EKOW OBENG-KENZO (GAMA) – DIRECTOR – GENERAL, VOLTA RIVER AUTHORITY
· HON. GRACE ASAMDAH AGYEMANG (HANIA) – DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ATWIMA KWANWOMA DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
· DR MAXWELL AMPONG (HANIA) – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MAXWELL INVESTMENTS GROUP
· MR. JOHN EVANS KUMORDZIE (HANIA) – MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, AKUAPEM NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
· MADAM CHRISTINE NIMWESIGA (ISANDA) – REGISTRAR, UGANDA NURSES AND MIDWIVES COUNCIL
· MR. JOËL NIANZOU (ZOTE DIVOIRE) – PRESIDENT, CÔTE D’IVOIRE DIGITAL PLATFORM (PNCI)
· MRS. RITA KUSI KYEREMAA (GHANA) – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GHANA FEDERATION OF DISABILITY ORGANISATIONS
· MR. OTUN SIDALLY ADEOLA (NIGERIA) – MANAGING DIRECTOR, SIMSID EXECUTIVE NIGERIA
· MADAM PRISCILLA ABIBA ASHITEY (GHANA) – TEACHER, GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE (GES)
· MADAM SANDRA ATIVOR – HEAD OF ACCREDITATION MAINTENANCE, FOOD AND DRUGS AUTHORITY (FDA)
· MR. ERNEST OREI KWAPONG – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BLACK PHASES MODELLING AGENCY
· MR. SAMUEL VASMARK – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GERALD GHANA LIMITED
· HON. SAMUEL ADONGO – MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, GHANA SUPPORTERS
· HON. ABDUL HAFIZ ADAM – MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NEW UJAREN NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
· HON. MUSAH ABDUL – RASHID – DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE, GUSHEGU MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
· MR. ANIS HAFFAR – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NANUMBA SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
· MADAM VINOLIA EMMA ZIGAH – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION (GATE) INSTITUTE, VINOLIA WEALTH
About The Business Executive
The Business Executive Media Group, organisers of the APSO Awards, has built a strong reputation for business journalism and event management across Africa.
Through The Business Executive magazine and high-profile events—including the African Women Leadership & Entrepreneurs Congress, Africa SME Conference & Awards, and Africa’s Most Respected CEOs Awards—the group aims to strengthen professional networks, promote institutional excellence, and elevate leadership standards across the continent.
Through its platforms, The Business Executive continues to play a significant role in recognising achievement, shaping public discourse, and advancing Africa’s development agenda.
