Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo was among distinguished women honoured at the 11th edition of the Ghana Women of the Year Honours 2026 held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City.
The event, organised by Glitz Africa, brought together policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, creatives, and development advocates to celebrate women making significant contributions to national development across sectors including governance, education, media, healthcare, humanitarian service, and entrepreneurship.
Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who serves as Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), received the Excellence in Governance Award in recognition of her contributions to public service, governance, human rights advocacy, and women empowerment in Ghana.
In her acceptance speech, she delivered a reflective address in which she paid tribute to the women who shaped her life and values, particularly her mother and grandmothers.
“I stand before you, on the shoulders of three great matriarchs in my life,” she said, acknowledging the influence of her mother, Victoria Borley Duamroh, and her grandmothers, Maame Adjoa Mansa and Neryi Abbey Mensah.
According to her, the resilience, integrity, courage, honesty, and values of the women in her family helped shape her leadership journey and activism.
Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described governance and leadership as a continuous pursuit of justice for the weak and marginalized.
“For me, governance and leadership have been a quest for justice for the weak and marginalized,” she stated. “It is a passion and an innate desire to put smiles on faces and wipe away tears of despair.”
READ: International Men’s Day: Naana Oye Bampoe Addo calls for renewed commitment to men’s wellbeing
She also reflected on the sacrifices that have accompanied her years in public service and advocacy, noting that despite experiencing pain, rejection, betrayal, and failure, her commitment to national service remains unwavering.
The Deputy Chief of Staff dedicated the award to women who have overcome abuse and adversity, girls who remained in school because of advocacy efforts, and individuals who found hope through justice and second chances.
“This award is not mine alone,” she said. “It is for the woman who has been abused, has risen out of her ashes, healed and lived her life of purpose.”
She further reaffirmed her commitment to championing justice, women’s economic empowerment, and service grounded in integrity and honesty.
“I will continue to stand up for what is right, I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless, I will continue to ensure women are economically empowered and independent,” she said.
The 2026 edition of the Ghana Women of the Year Honours also recognised distinguished African female leaders, with Joyce Aryee receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, while former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf received Special Recognition Honours for her contributions to leadership and governance in Africa.
The event featured performances, tribute sessions, recognition of unsung heroines, and special honours celebrating women whose leadership and service continue to inspire generations across the continent.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
