Ghana joins the world in honouring entrepreneurs on April 15
Ghana commemorates this year’s World Entrepreneurship Day (WED), with the honouring of 45 prominent entrepreneurs.
The Awards Committee of Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG) released the list of 45 nominees for the maiden Ghana Entrepreneur Awards 2010 scheduled for April 15, at the State Banquet Hall in Accra.
It is being organised by EFG, a non-profit organisation striving to foster entrepreneurship in Ghana through mentoring, networking and education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by Agricultural Development Bank.
A statement issued in Accra on Tuesday by Mr Sam Ato Gaisie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of EFG, said the awards would be institutionalised annually.
It explained that the awards aimed at recognising the exceptional achievements of Ghanaian entrepreneurs and their efforts in creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the country’s economy.
“They are fueling our economy with their creativity, tireless work ethics, and risk-taking spirit,” it added.
The statement said the final selection was based on entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, innovation, growth in annual sales, employment generation, a reputation for integrity and proven involvement in Ghana’s economic growth.
Mr Ato Gaisie said Ghanaian entrepreneurs should strive to be on top in the 21st Century through joint partnership and other forms of capitals to compete with other countries.
“Ghana prides herself as the gateway to the West African Sub-Region but no Ghanaian entrepreneur was amongst the list of the latest Forbes Richest Entrepreneurs in the world,” he added.
Mr Ato Gaisie observed that entrepreneurs were the engine of job creation… generating millions of good jobs, but many begin with nothing more than a good idea, and translated new products and services into vibrant businesses.
“To secure the nation’s future prosperity, efforts must be made to ensure Ghanaian entrepreneurs have the tools they need to survive and thrive,” he stressed.
Mr Ato Gaisie pointed out that the nominees for the categories were nominated by various associations, financial institutions and their management teams.
The statement said the nominated list included Prince Kofi Amoabeng, CEO of UT Bank and UT Group, Alhaji Dr Asoma Banda, Chairman Antrak Group of Companies, Dr Kofi Amoah, CEO of Progeny Ventures Incorporated and Citizen Kofi Ltd, Mr Roland Agambire, CEO of RLG Communications, Mrs Elizabeth Joyce Villars, CEO of Camelot Ghana and Mr Albert Ocran, CEO of Combert Impression.
Source: GNA