Out of these, 16 finalists have been selected by the adjudicators; Ernst and Young, for the competitive, Business Awards category, using the criteria set out for the competition. Speaking at a press briefing on the awards, Nana Appiagyei Dankawoso I, President of the GNCCI, said 60 businesses were initially shortlisted out of the 800, and further reduced to the 16 finalists, based on further criteria.

The 16 awards cover sectors, including primary agriculture, catering, banks, logistics, automotive, dealership, building and civil engineering, arts and crafts, trading, manufacturing, guest accommodation and fashion, among others.

The maiden Chamber Business Awards is meant to celebrate the Ghanaian entrepreneurs and personalities who had contributed over the years to the development of Ghana’s economy. The theme for the Awards, to be held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, is: “Enterprises in Transition: Recognising Innovative Businesses in Ghana”, and will have President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo as Guest of Honour.

The other categories are Personality Awards (three awards) and Special Awards (10 awards) which are non-competitive. The Personalities awards will honour Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Businessman of the Year and Businesswoman of the Year.

The highlight of the Special awards, according to Nana Dankawoso 1, will be the ‘Business Hene’ (Business Mogul of the Year) award which will be given annually.  Other awards in this category include Young Business Leader in Banking and Finance, exports, women entrepreneur, leading though leadership, fastest and dynamic growing iron and steel company, and business leader in pharmaceuticals, among others. These will comprise of seven Chamber members and three non-members.

The Criteria for the awards included annual turnover, profit and tax compliance, thought leadership engagement, innovation and technology, customer service schemes, relationship and people management, corporate social responsibility, environment management and corporate reputation management.

He assured that the process had been independently handled by the adjudicators and could be trusted by Ghanaians.