Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo was among distinguished women honoured at the heart of the 11th Annual Ghana Women of the Year Honours 2026 held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra organized by Glitz Africa.
The Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) received the Excellence in Governance Award in recognition of her impactful contributions to public service, governance, human rights advocacy, and women empowerment in Ghana.
The prestigious event, attended by policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, creatives, and development advocates, celebrated outstanding women whose work continues to shape national development across various sectors including governance, education, media, healthcare, humanitarian service, and entrepreneurship.
Receiving the honour, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo delivered a deeply reflective speech that resonated strongly with guests in attendance. She used the moment to honour women who shaped her journey, her mother and grandmothers, whose resilience, sacrifices, strength, integrity, courage, and values became the foundation of her leadership and activism.
“I stand before you, on the shoulders of three great matriarchs in my life,” she stated, acknowledging the sacrifices and influence of the women who inspired her path in leadership and activism.
She described governance and leadership as a continuous pursuit of justice for the weak and marginalized, emphasizing the importance of service, truth, and impact in public office.
“For me, governance and leadership have been a quest for justice for the weak and marginalized,” she said. “It is a passion and an innate desire to put smiles on faces and wipe away tears of despair.”
Hon. Oye also highlighted the personal sacrifices that have accompanied her years of activism and public service, noting that despite challenges, rejection, and betrayal, her commitment to advocacy and national service remains unwavering.
She dedicated the award to women who have overcome abuse and adversity, to girls who remained in school because of advocacy efforts, and to individuals who found hope and freedom through justice and second chances.
The Ghana Women of the Year Honours, now in its 11th edition, continues to serve as a platform that recognizes and celebrates women making significant contributions to national and continental development.
This 2026 edition also honoured distinguished African female leaders, with renowned Ghanaian stateswoman Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and former Liberian President H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf being celebrated with Special Recognition Honours for her enduring impact on leadership and governance in Africa.
The event also featured performances, tribute sessions, recognition of unsung heroines, and special honours for distinguished African female leaders, reinforcing the importance of celebrating women whose leadership and service continues to inspire generations.
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