Kate Quartey-Papafio: Building Industries, Inspiring Generation
Kate Quartey-Papafio stands tall as one of Africa’s most distinguished industrialists and business leaders. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Reroy Group of Companies, a conglomerate that has redefined Ghana’s electrical and energy sector. Recognized as the first woman in Africa to establish a cable manufacturing company, her pioneering work has earned her international acclaim as the “Queen of Cables in Ghana”.
A Vision That Sparked a Revolution
In 1992, what began as a personal challenge—finding suitable cables for the construction of her family home, ignited the birth of Reroy Cables Limited. Together with her husband, Kate Quartey-Papafio turned that challenge into opportunity, creating a business that has since grown into a continental force. Today, she is celebrated as the first female CEO of a cable manufacturing firm in ECOWAS, breaking barriers and inspiring women in industry across Africa.
The Reroy Group – Powering Africa’s Future
Over the past three decades, Kate has transformed Reroy Cables into the Reroy Group of Companies, comprising:
Reroy Cables Limited – Manufacturer of power cables and conductors.
Reroy Power Limited – Manufacturer, supplier, and installer of power distribution equipment including transformers and substations.
Reroy Metals Limited – Manufacturer of aluminium wire rods.
Reroy Energy Limited – Developer and operator of combined-cycle gas turbine and solar plants.
Through these subsidiaries, the Group plays a pivotal role in powering homes, industries, and economies across Ghana and West Africa.
Recognition and Awards
Kate’s outstanding contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including:
Marketing Woman of the Year – Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (2014).
Ernst & Young West Africa Entrepreneur of the Year (2013).
Africa’s Most Influential Woman in Business & Government – CEO Communications, South Africa.
Energy Personality of the Year (2017).
Legacy and GADIA State Award – presented by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo (2023).
Featured on CNN Marketplace Africa as the “Queen of Cables in Africa.”
Her companies have also been awarded Manufacturing Company of the Year at the CIMG National Marketing Awards, highlighting Reroy’s excellence in innovation and quality.
Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond her role as CEO, Kate Quartey-Papafio is the Sector Chairperson of the Electricals and Electronics Committee at the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). She continues to advocate for industrial growth, innovation, and the empowerment of women in leadership.
Philanthropy
Kate’s impact extends beyond industry. Through the Dr. J.B. Quartey-Papafio Medical Foundation, which she co-founded, she has supported health infrastructure by refurbishing wards at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, contributing to improved healthcare delivery in Ghana.
Resilience and Integrity
In 2017, she was implicated in the Capital Bank case. However, after four years of proceedings, the Accra High Court acquitted and discharged her in July 2021, affirming her integrity and ruling that she acted without criminal intent. Her resilience through this period further cemented her reputation as a strong and principled leader.
Read also Akosua Agyapong – Ghana’s Timeless Highlife Queen
Kate Quartey-Papafio’s journey is one of vision, resilience, and impact. From being the first African woman to lead in cable manufacturing to steering a multi-faceted energy group, she continues to inspire the next generation of industrialists and entrepreneurs across the continent.
