By Francis Kwabena Cofie
Accra, April 15, GNA – Over 70 individuals have been given awards for their remarkable strides in leadership and entrepreneurship at the African Leadership and Entrepreneurship Conference/Awards and Peace Summit held in Accra.
The maiden summit sought to identify and recognise deserving trade counterparts and cross-border investment partners for enterprises and institutions within Africa.
The award recipients were drawn from Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Egypt, Rwanda among a host of other countries.
The awardees were selected based on criteria such as impact on traditional rule from all African countries, business and the financial sector including the banking and financial fraternity across all 54 States in Africa.
Three top awardees who distinguished themselves and referred to as “The Titans” were Mr. Bishoy Fouad, General Manager, Life Care Technology Limited; Prof. Atuahene Boateng, CEO Medimafo Herbal Hospital; and Lord Kwame Trevor Beckford, EFS CI, CEO, Digital Africa Diaspora Development Services.
Other awardees were Madam Fidelia Grand-Galon, Suriname Ambassador to Ghana Kenya and South Africa, she won the Imperial African Achievement Award; and Mr. Peter Quansah Jr, Partner, SB LLP Barristers and Solicitors, who won the Imperial Cross-Border African Award.
The rest were Mr. Bernard Anyan- Mensah, Founder and CEO, CONAK; Mr. Samuel Vasmark Voegborlo, CEO, GENAU Ghana Ltd; Dr. Wanda Evans – Brewer, CEO, Wandalands Naturals; Royal Majesty Adaigbo Chika Chukwurah, Igbo Mother General, and Female Cultural Ambassador of Ndigbo, among others.
Dr Stephen Kojo Sackey, UN Goodwill Peace Ambassador, in a keynote address said young entrepreneurs are already driving innovation and change, demonstrating the power of business as a tool for societal transformation in most African countries.
This, he said, is a positive sign and an opportunity for robust investment across the continent.
Dr Sackey stated that the challenge of reduced aid presents an opportunity to strengthen local governance, enhance resource mobilization and build resilient economic structures.
“By diversifying funding sources and increasing domestic production, Africa can secure long-term economic stability,” he said.
The UN Ambassador said encouraging partnerships between the private sector and government would be key to sustaining this transformation.
He said Africa must take ownership of its development path and harness the talents of the people to drive sustainable growth, adding, “Africa has the potential to build a self-reliant, industrialized and technologically advanced continent.”
He stated that the economic transformation of Africa stands at a critical juncture, where strategic decisions would determine our ability to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
“The time has come to embrace self-sufficiency, industrial growth and technological advancement to secure a prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.
He indicated that the recent shifts in foreign aid policies including potential reduction in support from USAID highlights the need for Africa to become self-reliant.
“While aid has played a significant role in Africa’s development, the continent must develop robust revenue generation mechanisms, attract foreign direct investment and optimize tax systems to ensure financial sustainability,” he stressed.
Ambassador Dr Paul Boachie-Ansah, Group CEO and Board Chairman of Imperial Leo Network Limited, in a welcoming address explained that the conference also seeks to inspire and empower the next generation of change makers across the continent.
“The peace summit is to foster a state of stability and security where conflict is prevented or resolved peacefully and where human rights are respected and communities can thrive,” he stated.
He said the event was not just to celebrate past achievements, but also to forge new partnerships, create lasting networks and champion the collaborative spirit that will define Africa’s future.
GNA
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