The Ghana Enterprise Agency (GEA) is calling on local businesses to adopt the Kaizen philosophy to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Mrs. Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, emphasized that the Kaizen approach—rooted in the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement—has already impacted many Ghanaian enterprises and urged for the initiative’s expansion.
“We want more businesses, especially small and medium-scale enterprises, to embrace Kaizen,” she said during the Ghana National Kaizen Awards held in Accra. “It symbolizes continuous progress and innovation, not only in business operations but in all areas of life. This philosophy encourages small, incremental changes that generate significant results over time.”
The GEA has collaborated with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to introduce Kaizen practices to over 100 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in seven regions. Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh noted that additional training efforts are underway through partnerships with key stakeholders.
“Thousands more have been trained through our collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Works Project and the Ghana Jobs and Skills Project. These initiatives are paving the way for a new generation of Ghanaian entrepreneurship driven by continuous improvement and operational excellence,” she said.
The CEO also highlighted notable achievements of businesses that have adopted the Kaizen approach.
“In 2021, Francis Aluminum from the Ashanti Region won the Excellent Performer award at the African Kaizen Awards (AKA), despite pandemic challenges. More recently, in 2023, Tiwajo Enterprise—a cosmetics company from Amasaman, Greater Accra—was recognized with the Outstanding Small Enterprise Award at the AKA held in Ethiopia,” she added.
This year, three indigenous businesses were honored for their outstanding application of Kaizen principles:
- Yedent Agro Group of Companies – Winner, Medium Enterprises Category
- Solutions Oasis Limited – Winner, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) Category
- Asheba Company Limited – Winner, Large Enterprises Category
The ultimate honor, Overall Winner of the Ghana National Kaizen Awards, went to Solutions Oasis Limited for its exceptional commitment to Kaizen.
Mrs. Yankey-Ayeh acknowledged that the Ghana National Kaizen Awards, first launched in 2019, experienced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic but stressed the GEA’s commitment to making it a flagship event once again.
“This annual ceremony will not only prepare our enterprises to compete at the African Kaizen Awards but also inspire the growth of Kaizen-model industries nationwide. Our goal is to foster a culture of excellence that drives sustainable economic development,” she said.
She underscored the need to promote Kaizen across all regions and establish model Kaizen industries. “We are committed to spreading awareness about Kaizen to ensure its wide adoption. These model industries will serve as examples for others to follow.”
Award recipients will receive more than recognition. “They will benefit from ongoing Kaizen and business development support from the GEA, along with access to markets and financial resources to fuel their growth,” she added.
Ms. Suzuki Momoko, Chief Representative of JICA Ghana, praised the nearly two-decade-long partnership between JICA and the GEA.
“Through this collaboration, over 384 MSMEs have successfully implemented Kaizen. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is also supporting GEA’s efforts to implement a national Kaizen Expansion Programme across the country,” she said.
Ms. Momoko added that over 10,000 MSMEs have received basic Kaizen training through GEA’s flagship initiatives.
Mr. Patrick Yaw Nimo, Chief Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, also addressed the awards ceremony, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement for business success.
“Business success—particularly for MSMEs—depends on their ability to adapt, innovate, and continuously improve. This is why the Ministry is committed to working through the GEA to support the MSME sector,” he said in a speech read on his behalf.
