A press release issued by Total on Thursday and made available to the GNA said the projects were selected out of more than 1,197 entries, through a questionnaire and a “Share for Likes” voting phase, before being reviewed by social business professionals.

The 16 candidates shortlisted for the final are (in alphabetical order): Abdul Malik Jabel Yusif, Education, Psyche Academy,Agyei Mensah, Technology DEAFCANTALK, Akwasi Asamoah, Food & Nutrition, Jartogo mobile kitchen, Albert Koomson, Human Capital, Rook+, Alice Amoako, Education & Technology, Autism Aid App and Anna Abadoo-Brew, Health, Routine BP check, a life saver.

The others are Dennis Nyarko, Food and Nutrition,Caribbean Medley Beverages, Enoch Aryeetey, AgriBusiness, Unveiling Gains in Food losses, Eunice Kloe, Renewable Energy, Bidigreen, Isaac Danso Asiedu, AgriBusiness, AGRO SOURCING, Jacob Amengor, Sanitation, iWASH Africa, Maame Ekua Manful, Food and Nutrition, Sweetpot Yoghurt and Makafui Awuku, Recycling & Waste Management, Sankofa Plastic Waste Bins.

The rest are Naomi Boachie-Yiadom, AgriBusiness, WESHEA Growth Project, Padiki Bukari, Technology & Agriculture, QualiTrace and Selasie Garvey, AgriBusiness, SOCIALFARM.  The 16 finalists will pitch their projects on February 8, 2019. They will receive coaching before presenting to the local jury, made up of: Eric Fanchini, Total Petroleum Ghana Limited, Managing Director, Rexford Adomako Bonsu, CEO Worldwide Co. Ltd, Tonyi Senayah, CEO, Horseman Shoes.

The other members of the jury are Ivy Barley, CEO, Developers in Vogue / Google Mentorship For Empowering Women In ICT, Margaret Takyi Micah, CEO, NEST of IDEAS,          Joshua Ayinbora, CEO, Groital Company Limited, George Acheampong, UGBS / Leader for LEAD (Legon Enterprise Development Laboratory), Lecturer,   Richard Nunekpeku, CEO Anyako Farms, and Petra Sanyamahwe, Give-Back Africa Project, Director.

The rest are Daniel Sarpong, Global Mentorship Network / Tonaton, Chairman/ Head, Digital Strategy, Sandra Abrokwah Owusu Kyeremanten, Viamo Technologies, Country Director and John Armah, CEO, IriOS Group.

The jury will announce the names of the three winners of the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year on March 1, 2019, during a celebration event.The winners will receive financial support of up to GHC 90,000.00 for the first winner; GHC 54,000.00 for second winner and GHC 36,000.00 for third winner.

Also, personalized support and coaching from Total Petroleum Ghana Limited and a communications campaign to publicize their project. There will also be a Top Female Entrepreneur award for one of the finalists to support her project. The prizes will be awarded at an official ceremony.

The 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year by Total Challenge is held simultaneously in 55 countries, 37 of which are in Africa, 11 in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, 4 in the Americas, and 3 in Europe, reaffirms Total’s commitment to social and economic development in host countries worldwide.

By helping innovative young entrepreneurs to realize their projects, the Challenge strengthens the local social fabric. Established in 1951, Total Petroleum Ghana Limited is a locally listed oil marketing company with over 4,700 Ghanaian shareholders.

The company has a retail network of over 251 service stations across the ten regions of the country with activities spanning the Aviation, Bitumen, Solar and Mining businesses.The company provides expertise on engine performance and reduction in fuel.