The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GNCCI)  in line with the Vice President Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia's technology and digitization agenda has launched  the third edition of the Chamber Business Awards under the theme "Digitizing the Ghanaian Economy for Competitive Edge in a Globalized Market".

Speaking at the launch of the awards, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), Mr Patrick Nimo said that the theme reflects Ghana's work towards transformation in various critical sectors of the economy such as banking and finance, commerce, transport and travel.
 "Ghana is on the right path towards a digital age" he noted.

Mr Nimo said that the implementation of various policies will allow government to develop the capacity to compete on various levels as well as create a conducive atmosphere for business to thrive in.

He added that the MOTI will continue to work with the GNCCI to ensure  that opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) are promoted especially in the areas of job creation and promotion of local businesses.

President of the GNCCI, Nana Dr Appiagyei Dankawoso I, said that the choice of theme for the awards is to compliment government's efforts at formalizing the Ghanaian economy through digitization in order to move Ghana from a low middle-income status to an upper middle-income status.
He disclosed that the private sector provides about 94 per cent of employment in Ghana and said that there is the need to recognize and celebrate business using innovative ways to be efficient and competitive.

Nana Dankawoso I said that the awards scheme will celebrate the very best of businesses that have demonstrated excellence in business leadership and invested in smart management systems, business automation and design as well as  product development in contributing to the socio-economic development of Ghana.

He urged Ghanaians to familiarize themselves with the AfCTA Agreement which will be effective from 30th May 2019 in order to take advantage of its benefits.
"Through this award, it is our expectation that the business community would be encouraged to stay innovative and digitize their services and operations to reflect modern trends in the global market" he stated.

The awards, open to registered business in the country, is scheduled to take place on the 23rd of November 2019 at the Accra International Conference Center with H.E Dr Alhaji Mahamadu Bawumia as the special guest of honor.

Nominations for the awards begin on Tuesday 21st May 2019 and will close on 21st June 2019. The award categories include Business/Corporate Awards, Regional Awards, Personality Awards and Special Award (Non-Competitive).

This year's awards according to the GNCCI will entail expanded categories, tighter criteria, a digital platform for nomination and questionnaire administration with technical experts drawn from various agencies such as the the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), MOTI, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).