The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has secured two continental awards in Ghana, earning recognition for its efforts to combat counterfeit trade and protect consumers.
The Authority was named Anti-Counterfeit Enforcement and Consumer Protection Provider of the Year, while its Executive Director, Robi M. King’a, PhD, won the Public Sector CEO of the Year award at the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA 2026) in Accra.
The awards recognise the Authority’s enforcement efforts and King’a’s leadership in strengthening intellectual property protection and institutional performance.
Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Shem Amadi, presented the institutional award, while Ghana’s Head of Civil Service, Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, presented King’a’s individual accolade.
Speaking after the ceremony, King’a credited the achievement to the Authority’s staff and partners, saying the recognition reflected their collective commitment to protecting consumers and legitimate businesses.
“Behind every successful enforcement operation, prosecution and public awareness initiative are dedicated officers working to protect consumers and legitimate businesses,” he said.
King’a added that the awards placed greater responsibility on the Authority to intensify its efforts against counterfeit products and strengthen public confidence in the marketplace.
“Our measure of success is not the awards we receive, but the difference we make in protecting consumers and supporting legitimate trade,” he said.
Counterfeit trade remains a concern across Africa, with illicit products threatening consumer health and safety, undermining legitimate businesses and reducing government revenue.
ACA addresses the challenge through investigations, market surveillance, border enforcement, prosecutions and public education. The Authority also works with government agencies, intellectual property rights holders and industry stakeholders to disrupt counterfeit supply chains and promote compliance with intellectual property laws.
The Authority acknowledged the support of the Government of Kenya, its Board, enforcement partners, industry stakeholders and the public in advancing its mandate.
The double recognition highlights the role of effective enforcement, institutional leadership and collaboration in tackling counterfeit trade and promoting a safer marketplace.
