Africa’s development hinges on strong institutions, sound public policies and effective governance, the Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Ms Elsie Appau-Klu, has said.
She explained that the continent’s ability to finance its own development largely depends on strengthening public trust in state institutions.
Ms Appau-Klu made the remarks after receiving the ‘Excellence in Public Policy and Governance’ award at the 16th African Achievers Awards, held at the historic House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster in London, United Kingdom.
Reflecting on the continent’s development challenges, she noted that Africa was increasingly focused on how to mobilise domestic resources to drive growth.
She said that the central question remained how African countries could fund their own development, adding that the answer lay in good public policy and sound governance.
According to her, when institutions function effectively, they inspire public confidence, which in turn encourages compliance.
She explained that such compliance enables governments to generate the resources needed to build critical infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, roads and to create jobs.
The awards ceremony, held on July 22, 2026, was hosted by Baroness Verma, a Member of the United Kingdom House of Lords and Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, and Baron Simon Woolley of Woodford.
Ms Appau-Klu had previously been honoured at the 8th edition of the awards in 2018 at the House of Commons in London, alongside Ghanaian businessman Mr Ibrahim Mahama.
The African Achievers Awards recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributed significantly to public service, governance and policy development across the continent.
Ms Appau-Klu described it as a collective achievement adding that she was deeply honoured and humbled.
She said the recognition was not hers alone but belonged to the entire Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghanaian taxpayers.
She acknowledged the leadership of the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr Anthony Sarpong, and commended taxpayers for their role in driving national development.
Ms Appau-Klu also highlighted ongoing reforms within the GRA aimed at modernising tax administration and improving voluntary compliance.
She explained that the reforms were focused on leveraging technology to simplify and enhance transparency in tax processes, broadening the tax base to promote fairness, and educating citizens to appreciate taxation as an investment in national development rather than a burden.
She noted that under the leadership of the Commissioner-General, the Authority was pursuing tax reforms that were fair, modern and people-centred.
She urged public servants across Africa to remain steadfast and committed to integrity despite the challenges associated with public service.
She described nation-building as a slow and demanding process but emphasised that it remained the most important work.
Ms Appau-Klu further encouraged young Africans to consider careers in public service, stating that governance was a powerful tool for transforming lives and strengthening national development.
Beyond her work at the GRA, she is a lawyer, human resource practitioner, policy analyst, gender rights advocate and entrepreneur.
She acknowledged her involvement with the Women Entrepreneurs Network, where she has championed policy reforms to support women-owned businesses.
She also highlighted the work of the Ezel Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and girls, promoting career development, supporting vulnerable women and advocating women’s economic rights.
Dedicating the award to the memory of her late grandmother who raised her, Ms Appau-Klu expressed gratitude to her family, colleagues at the GRA and Ghanaian taxpayers.
Past recipients of the African Achievers Awards include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former President John Evans Atta Mills, former African Union Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and Dr Josephine Ojiambo, former Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
BY TIMES REPORTER
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