Ghana celebrates excellence in productivity at 2025 national kaizen awards

Ghana’s commitment to productivity, innovation and inclusive industrial growth was once again brought into sharp focus at the 2025 edition of the Ghana National Kaizen Awards (GNKA), held at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra.

The event, organised by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), showcased outstanding micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have embraced the Kaizen philosophy — a Japanese concept of continuous improvement.

Held under the theme “Africa Industrialization through Fostering Competitive Firms and Value Chains in Ghana,” the 2025 GNKA brought together industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats, entrepreneurs and development partners to honour Ghanaian enterprises that have successfully implemented Kaizen principles in their operations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, representing the Presidency, praised the role of MSMEs in national development and called for a broader embrace of Kaizen across all sectors.

“Kaizen is more than a philosophy. It is a metaphor for Ghana’s development journey — small, consistent improvements that lead to transformational change,” she said.

Madam Bampoe Addo noted that the government remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs through targeted support, fiscal reforms, and value chain development.

She highlighted several government initiatives, including the Kwaku Business Forum, the Adwumawura Programme, and the recent $100 million investment secured to build an AI-powered agricultural hub, as evidence of the government’s bold industrialisation roadmap.

The awards ceremony also saw the launch of U-SPARK, a digital Kaizen-based performance analytics tool developed by UNIDO, GEA and funded by the Government of Japan.

According to GEA CEO Margaret Ansei, U-SPARK will help enterprises enhance production efficiency, optimise value chains, and support the government’s ambitious 24-hour economy initiative.

“Digitally empowered MSMEs will be the backbone of Ghana’s 24-hour economy,” she asserted.

Representatives from JICA, UNIDO, MDPI and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry also shared insights into how Kaizen is reshaping Ghana’s industrial landscape.

The Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, Ms. Suzuki Momoko, stressed that Kaizen’s people-centred approach aligns with Ghana’s national development goals.

“Kaizen empowers workers, builds ownership, and creates dignified workplaces. It is not just a management technique, it is a mindset,” Ms. Suzuki stated.

UNIDO’s National Project Coordinator, Mr. Kipo Dari, highlighted ongoing support for MSME development through digital tools and inclusive industrial strategies.

Professor Elijah Yendaw of MDPI underscored Kaizen’s role in achieving Ghana’s productivity and competitiveness ambitions.

Among the nominated enterprises were Odina Couture, Eya Naturals, Aniwasu Garment, Kofi Vinyo Ltd, KNUST Fruits, and Amanex Ltd — all of which demonstrated excellence in continuous improvement and quality under the Kaizen framework.

Five pilot companies also showcased the successful implementation of the U-SPARK initiative.

In a special address delivered on behalf of Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Cynthia Djokoto applauded the long-standing partnership with JICA and emphasized the relevance of Kaizen in realising Ghana’s industrialisation goals under the AfCFTA framework.

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, lauded Ghana’s growing adoption of Kaizen across both public and private sectors, referencing Ghana’s recent participation at TICAD 9 in Yokohama, where Ghanaian leadership reiterated its commitment to Kaizen-led development.

“To Japan, Kaizen is a gift to the world — a philosophy of discipline, teamwork, and innovation. Ghana is showing that it is ready to lead by example,” he remarked.

As Ghana positions itself as a Kaizen hub in West Africa, the National Kaizen Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for inspiring excellence, promoting innovation, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement among Ghanaian enterprises.