Accra, Aug. 27, GNA - Madam Amelia Bartels, Founder of UK-based Global Professionals Achievers (GPA) Awards, has predicted that Africa would soon become a frontier of development in the world. She said Africa has brilliant and creative individuals in all fields of human endeavours, putting the continent on the global map of development.

Madam Bartels was speaking at the launch of the 10th GPA Anniversary Celebrations and Awards on the theme: 9310 years of Celebrating Icons of Innovation", schedule for December 18 in Accra, to inspire young professionals to develop a mindset of becoming globally viable.

She called on the authorities to support the African youth to sharpen their skills and talents to enable them to contribute to development of the continent.

"Everywhere on the globe, there are great Africans at the helm of affairs in the fields of medicine, engineering, politics, media, entertainment, banking, fashion and all sectors of industry," Madam Bartels said.

Madam Bartels said four new categories had been introduced targeted at young people in business.

The categories include young professionals, young entrepreneur, young creative star and GPA business class.

She this year's awards would encourage professionals and executives to engage in social responsibility initiatives, adding that GPA award would emphasis on social responsibility. Dr. Erieka Bennett, Head of African Union Diaspora Forum, commended GPA Foundation for its involvement in the Children Library Project aimed to encourage young children to read and acquire skills in Information and Communication Technology.

She called on individuals and organisations to partner the GPA to reduce the incidence of illiteracy among disadvantaged children. Dr. Bennett advised Africans to create their own wealth to promote positive role for aspiring young people, to impact on development. The awards night seeks to honour 24 distinguished persons in law, architecture, sports, health, banking and finance and fashion and beauty. Others are communication and media, agriculture, marketing, insurance, entertainment and business. There would be special awards for humanitarian and social care, innovation, dedication and excellence, GPA business class, corporate champion and lifetime achievement.