The Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has held the third edition of the Ghana National Kaizen Awards, celebrating enterprises that have embraced the philosophy of continuous improvement to drive productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.
Held under the theme “Driving Productivity, Innovation and Competitiveness Through Kaizen Excellence,” the event recognised four finalist companies, with Joy Spring Fruit Juice emerging as the overall winner. Aspee Pharmaceuticals Ltd secured first runner-up, Yudent Agro Group of Companies Ltd placed second runner-up, and Uni Jay Company Ltd was adjudged the fourth-placed company. All four enterprises have been nominated to represent Ghana at the 2026 Africa Kaizen Awards to be held in Mauritius.
Kaizen: A Philosophy Beyond Management
Delivering the keynote address as Special Guest of Honour, Lawyer Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew underscored that prosperity is seldom determined by the abundance of natural resources but rather by the quality of institutions, productivity of enterprises, and the collective discipline to improve continuously.
“Too often, Kaizen is described simply as a management tool or production methodology. For me, it is much more than that—it is a philosophy of leadership that teaches that excellence is not achieved through isolated moments of brilliance but the relentless pursuit of better ways of doing ordinary things,” she stated.
Mrs Brew noted that the philosophy is particularly relevant for Ghana as the nation pursues industrial transformation and expands intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“In the words of one of the speakers, we cannot remain local champions. If we remain local champions, we will become obsolete,” she cautioned.
She emphasised that competitiveness is no longer determined solely by access to finance, technology, or markets but by productivity. The economies that succeed are those that consistently produce higher quality goods, utilise resources more efficiently, and innovate continuously.
Alignment with 24-Hour Economy Agenda
Mrs Brew highlighted that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, has placed industrial transformation, value addition, and job creation at the heart of its economic agenda.
“The 24-hour economy and accelerated development programme reflects this vision by seeking to unlock greater productivity, expand manufacturing, stimulate enterprise growth, and create sustainable employment opportunities for all Ghanaians,” she said.
However, she stressed that a 24-hour economy cannot thrive on extended operating hours alone. “It requires enterprises that are efficient, innovative, and globally competitive. It requires businesses that minimise waste, improve quality, optimise resources, and embrace continuous improvement,” she explained.
Japan’s Enduring Commitment
Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s productivity agenda. He noted that Kaizen is not merely a workplace tool but a mindset of continuous improvement that permeates Japanese society.
“When people hear the word Kaizen, they often think immediately of factories and manufacturing. But in Japan, Kaizen is far more than a management technique—it is a way of thinking,” Ambassador Yoshimoto stated.
He cited the example of Japanese football fans cleaning stadiums after matches as a reflection of the Kaizen philosophy in everyday life. “The essence of Kaizen is simply that every individual has the ability and responsibility to contribute to improvement, regardless of their profession,” he added.
The Ambassador proposed that the Kaizen philosophy should be incorporated into the curriculum of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes and public institutions.
“Imagine public institutions where staff constantly think of better ways to deliver services. Imagine communities where citizens take collective ownership roles, keeping their environment clean. Such a culture would not only improve productivity but also strengthen institutions, deepen accountability, and inspire innovation,” he said.
GEA’s Vision for Kaizen Centre of Excellence
Margaret Ansei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, welcomed participants and reiterated that the awards serve as Ghana’s official qualifying platform for the continental Africa Kaizen Awards in Mauritius.
“Kaizen reminds us that meaningful transformation comes through small, consistent improvements. The Ghana National Kaizen Awards were established not only to recognise enterprises that have excelled in this journey but also to inspire many more businesses to pursue continuous improvement and excellence,” she stated.
Mrs Ansei announced GEA’s vision to establish a Kaizen Centre of Excellence that will serve as a national hub for training GEA staff and MSMEs in Kaizen principles and productivity improvement.
“The centre will strengthen the delivery of quality business development services, promote a culture of continuous improvement across enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to the successful implementation of the government’s flagship 24-hour economy agenda,” she explained.
The programme also recognised GEA staff who have attained internationally recognised management consultancy certification to further strengthen their capabilities to deliver quality business development services to MSMEs.
UNIDO Lauds Ghana’s Progress
Dr Emmanuel Kalenzi, representing UNIDO, commended Ghana Enterprises Agency for the partnership in organising the awards, which he described as a key milestone in entrenching the Kaizen philosophy.
“MSMEs hold the big stake in most economies in terms of GDP and employment contribution, but they also face many challenges, often leading to low survival rates—many of them shutting down before their fifth year anniversary,” Dr Kalenzi noted.
He highlighted the introduction of U-SPARK (UNIDO Smart Performance Analytics and Real-time Kaizen), a digital tool launched last year to enable MSMEs to collect key performance indicators and visualise performance in real time.
“With this tool, Kaizen practice is made simple,” he stated, expressing hope that more enterprises across the country would scale up their uptake of the digital innovation.
Private Sector Applauds Kaizen Initiative
Seth Twum-Akwaboah, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), expressed solidarity with GEA, JICA, and UNIDO in celebrating businesses that have embraced Kaizen.
“The Kaizen philosophy emphasises continuous and incremental improvement, and this is indeed what businesses need. Competition is so keen today, and when you think you’re a local champion, before you realise, goods will come from China, Japan, and other countries to compete with you in your own territory,” he said.
He noted that while AGI is often associated with large corporations, 75% of its members are SMEs. “We are largely an SME country, and therefore the role that GEA is playing is very dear to our heart,” he added.
Mr Twum-Akwaboah encouraged micro and small enterprises yet to enrol in Kaizen programmes to take advantage of the opportunity through AGI offices across the country.
Recognition and Future Outlook
GCB Bank, the corporate partner for the awards, reinforced its commitment to supporting Ghanaian businesses beyond finance. Francis Nyarko, Tema Area Manager of GCB Bank, stated: “Businesses also need the right skills, strong partnerships and a culture of continuous improvement to innovate, grow and compete. When businesses become stronger, they create jobs, support families and contribute to Ghana’s economic development.”
The awards ceremony was followed by an exhibition, networking sessions, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for participating MSMEs. The four award-winning companies will now represent Ghana at the continental level in Mauritius, showcasing the nation’s growing commitment to the Kaizen philosophy.
As Lawyer Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew aptly concluded: “If we succeed in embedding the Kaizen culture within our institutions, our enterprises, and our public service, we would have laid the foundation for an economy that is more productive, more innovative, and more competitive. We do not have an option but to vigorously pursue a national movement for the institutionalisation of Kaizen in Ghana.”
By Kingsley Asiedu
