The inaugural Ghana Academia Summit and Awards has opened a new platform to recognise education excellence and inspire stronger collaboration for Ghana’s future.
Held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, the event brought together education stakeholders, business leaders, policymakers and development partners for an evening that blended recognition, reflection and renewed commitment to improving access and quality in formal education.
The summit, organised by The Business Executive Group, was held under the theme “Setting the Standards for Access and Quality in Formal Education in Ghana,” with organisers describing it as a major step towards encouraging innovation and higher standards within the education sector.
Delivering the welcome address, Jane Okyere-Aduachie, Manager of the American Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative represents the beginning of what organisers envision as a premier platform for dialogue, recognition and collaboration in education.
She emphasised that education remains the foundation for national development, noting that the quality of learning provided today will determine Ghana’s future growth and competitiveness.
“The future of Ghana will be determined by the quality of education we provide today,” Okyere-Aduachie said.
She added that improving education outcomes requires the collective efforts of government, educators, policymakers, industry players, parents and development partners, stressing that no single institution can achieve meaningful transformation alone.
The evening also highlighted the vision behind the awards, with Ernest Lartey, Head of National Events at The Business Executive and Team Lead for the Ghana Academia Awards 2026, describing the platform as a response to the need to recognise those quietly driving progress in education.
Lartey expressed appreciation to Dr. Baroness Paulette Kporo, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Executive, for initiating the concept, and acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service.
‘‘I want to thank Dr. Baroness Paulette Kporo, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Executive, for birthing this idea, as well as the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service for their endorsement and support, Tonight, we didn’t just pull off an event, we answered the hope these individuals and institutions have carried quietly for years: to be seen, to be honoured, to matter. Because of the work of the team at the Ghana Academia Awards Secretariat, that hope gets its moment in the light today,” he said.
He explained that the awards go beyond celebrating achievements, as they seek to inspire innovation, promote partnerships and rally support from government, civil society organisations and development partners to build stronger foundations for future generations.
The inaugural ceremony recognised educational institutions and individuals making contributions through improved learning outcomes, teacher development, research, innovation, inclusiveness and the creation of future-ready skills. Organisers said the summit will continue to serve as a platform for advancing conversations around quality and accessible education in Ghana.
