Accra: Technical Advisor to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Elsie Appau-Klu Esq., has called for stronger public institutions and better governance across Africa after receiving the Excellence in Public Policy and Governance Award at the 16th African Achievers Awards in London.
According to Ghana Web, Appau-Klu, speaking after receiving the award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, expressed that the honour belonged to the entire Ghana Revenue Authority and Ghanaian taxpayers. "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. This award is not mine alone. I receive it on behalf of the entire team at the Ghana Revenue Authority and on behalf of the taxpayers of Ghana," she said.
Appau-Klu emphasized that Africa's future hinges on strong institutions and effective public policies. "Across Africa today, we are having one central conversation: How do we fund our own development? The answer lies in good public policy and sound governance. When institutions work, citizens trust. When citizens trust, they comply. And when they comply, nations build schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs from their own resources," she articulated.
She highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Ghana Revenue Authority to modernise tax administration and simplify tax payment for citizens. "Under the guidance of the Commissioner-General at GRA, our contribution to this vision has been through tax reform that is fair, modern, and human," she stated.
Appau-Klu also encouraged public servants across Africa to remain committed to serving their countries with sincerity and dedication, acknowledging nation-building as a challenging yet vital endeavor. "Nation building is slow, it is tough and it is often unseen. But it is the most important work we can do," she remarked.
In addition, she urged young Africans to pursue careers in public service to aid in transforming lives through good governance. Appau-Klu acknowledged the efforts of the Women Entrepreneurs Network and the Ezel Foundation for their roles in supporting women and girls via policy advocacy and empowerment initiatives.
She dedicated the award to the memory of her late grandmother and thanked her family, colleagues, and Ghanaian taxpayers for their support, concluding with a call for increased African self-reliance. "As Africans, our future must be funded by Africans, governed by Africans and built for Africans, including the Diaspora, in partnership with the rest of the world," she concluded.