NPA Deputy CEO Sheila Addo Calls for More Opportunities for Women in Leadership

The Deputy Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Sheila Addo, has called for greater opportunities for women to occupy leadership positions, stressing the importance of professional competence, adequate preparation and self-confidence in career advancement.

Dr Addo made the call on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during the opening of the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference & Awards (APSCA 2026) in Accra.

The three-day conference, running from October 14 to 16, is being held under the theme, “Governance 2030: Resilient Institutions for a Digital, Green & Secure Africa.”

Speaking at the Women, Governance and Trade Forum, Dr Addo discussed challenges facing women pursuing senior leadership roles, particularly in institutions where men continue to occupy a significant proportion of executive positions.

She called on organisations to create more opportunities for qualified women while encouraging women to build the confidence, skills and professional readiness needed to take on greater responsibilities.

Dr Addo emphasised that professional competence and preparation remain essential to career progression. She urged women to equip themselves with the necessary skills, approach leadership opportunities with confidence and demonstrate their capabilities through their work.

She noted that creating a more inclusive leadership environment requires both institutional support and individual commitment to professional development.

According to her, women must recognise their professional value while remaining dedicated to continuous learning, improvement and the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Her remarks highlighted the importance of combining equal opportunities with the preparation and expertise needed to lead effectively.

The NPA Deputy Chief Executive also stressed the need to invest in the development of the girl child, explaining that encouraging young girls to believe in their abilities is an important step towards building a more inclusive generation of leaders.

She indicated that developing confidence from an early age could help prepare girls to pursue leadership positions and contribute meaningfully to public institutions and other sectors of society.

Her contribution placed emphasis on the connection between early development, professional growth and women's representation in leadership.

The discussion also highlighted the role organisations and public institutions can play in supporting qualified women to advance into senior decision-making positions.

The Women, Governance and Trade Forum brought together senior female public officials from across Africa, including Dr Elizabeth Obeng-Yeboah of the Ghana Civil Service and Hon. Mary Yiane Seneta, Commissioner of Kenya’s National Land Commission.

APSCA 2026 has assembled government officials, policymakers, regulators and public sector executives from across the continent to discuss strategies for strengthening institutions, improving public service delivery and responding to emerging technological, environmental and security challenges.

The conference provides a platform for participants to exchange ideas on governance, institutional resilience and the future of public administration in Africa.

For the National Petroleum Authority, Dr Addo’s participation offers an opportunity to contribute to continental discussions on effective governance, institutional development and inclusive leadership.

Her call for more opportunities for women reinforces the importance of creating environments in which qualified professionals can develop their capabilities and contribute to leadership across Africa’s public sector.