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.

Speaking after receiving the award at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, on Sunday July 26, 2026, Appau-Klu said 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.

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She told guests that Africa's future depends on strong institutions and good 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 said.

Appau-Klu said the Ghana Revenue Authority is working to modernise tax administration and make tax payment easier 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.

She also encouraged public servants across Africa to remain committed to serving their countries with honesty and dedication.

"Nation building is slow, it is tough and it is often unseen. But it is the most important work we can do," she said.

Appau-Klu urged young Africans to consider careers in public service because they can help transform lives through good governance.

She also recognised the work of the Women Entrepreneurs Network and the Ezel Foundation for supporting women and girls through policy advocacy and empowerment programmes.

She dedicated the award to the memory of her late grandmother, thanked her family, colleagues and Ghanaian taxpayers for their support, and ended with a call for greater 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 said.

ANAS/EB

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