The GPA (Ghana Professional Achievers) Awards are held annually to showcase Ghana?s businesses and professionals. Its primary aim is to promote international trade for Black-owned businesses- as well as encouraging growth, excellence and innovation. In addition, it aims to act as a national and international platform for identifying role models and mentors for young people as aspiring people of the African Diaspora.

The Awards were first held in July 2001. Over the years, it has become the premier awards in recognising the unsung heroes and heroines in the community that were hitherto not given mainstream recognition. The Awards also serves as a forum for promoting self-confidence, self-esteem, increasing motivation, broadening horizons and networking of Ghana?s 500,000 professionals & business owners in the UK.

The Awards founder, Emelia Bartels, emphasises, with the current climate of promoting African Investment and Business opportunities here in the UK and focus on Africa, the awards are uniquely placed to help identify Diaspora investors and professionals for building sustainable capacity and investment links back in their country of origin.

Over the past decade, Black owned businesses have emerged as powerful economic force particularly in London. They make a significant contribution to the capitals economy in terms of job creation and employment, GDP, Income and wealth creation, innovation, knowledge transfer, economic regeneration and diversification of local and sub-regional economies. Furthermore, many of the most successful BME-owned businesses in London have built a strong international dimension into the core of their business strategies.

It is also our observation that 2nd and 3rd generation black Africans (albeit poorly researched group in the BME community) no longer operate in just the ethnic niche and traditional markets. An increasing number are running successful multi-million mainstream companies that offer considerable potential for growth. Examples are Alexandra Amusu of R&B Ringtones, Adam Afriyie of Connect Support Services and Oswald Boateng all second generation Africans.

With the above statistics in mind, the GPA Awards aims to create a climate where these successful Entrepreneurs can encourage and motivate others in the UK as well as offer a platform for these elite entrepreneurs to link and network with Businesses in Africa and Caribbean where there are enormous opportunities for investment. Elite entrepreneurs linked and networked with prosperous communities in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. They face a growing range of opportunities, especially as local markets for business services and specialist products expand. The five largest African markets account for over ?2.5 billion of UK exports each year.

Support

The GPA is endorsed by a diverse range of high profile individuals, companies, celebrities and community groups including His Excellency Isaac Osei, The Ghana High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland, Baroness Chalker of Wallasey and Director of Africa Matters Ltd, Rt Hon Paul Boateng, Secretary of State to the Treasury, Lee Jasper, Adviser to the Mayor of London, Prof Konotey-Ahulu, of Harley

Street and Cromwell Hospitals, Kwame Kwei-Armah, of Casualty and celebrity fame academy, Adjoa Andoh actress and formally of Holby City, Charles Thompson of Screen Nation Awards, Kofi Kusitor of Black Enterprise Awards and CEO of the Technology firm Cursitor Group, Henry Bonsu writer and Broadcaster. Other supporters include Adam Afriyie CEO of Connect Support Services, Councillor Marianne Allapini of Kensington & Chelsea Borough, Dame Betty Asafu-Adjaye, as well as Channel 4?s Jon Snow, presenters June Sarpong and Lisa I? Anson.

Previous Sponsors: Corporate: London Development Agency (LDA) Coca-Cola Africa, Anglogold Ashanti, Taylor Woodrow Construction, Ghana Airways Limited, Luster Products Europe, Labadi Beach Hotel, La Palm Beach Hotel and Golden Tulip Hotels in Ghana, Colomer Professional International, and Africa Recruit, Commonwealth Business Council.

Endorsements

?The GPA Ceremony will be a lively tribute to many individual triumphs as well as projecting the identity of Ghana in Britain and highlighting the contribution, which Ghanaians are making to this country?s economic and cultural life? RT. Hon. Paul Boateng, Secretary Of State to the Treasury

?It gives me great pleasure to endorse the GPA Awards. These awards offer a unique opportunity to show our appreciation for Ghana?s Businesses and Professional community. Their creativity innovative thinking and professional dedication is truly inspiring. I?m sure that these awards will encourage the pursuit of excellence not only among BME groups but in young people across Britain generally.?

Baroness Lynda Chalker of Wallasey, Director, Africa Matters Ltd

?As an entrepreneur I know how important to get and receive both recognition and encouragement. I am delighted that these awards will deliver both outcomes. My very best wishes to the GPA awards?

Adam Afriyie, CEO, Connect Support Services Ltd, Chairman, DeHavilland Information Services

?Events like the GPA Awards which highlight and honour achievement, are invaluable catalysts in inspiring Africans abroad to reach out for every higher goals?

Anver Versi, Editor African Business

?People from Ethnic Backgrounds are the most entrepreneurial in our society and account for approximately 10% of all Business start-ups in Britain today. This is a Significant figure in itself, and on a wider front, contribute very positively to job creation and is an exemplar of innovation, which every thriving economy needs? Prime Minister Tony Blair.

?BME Businesses contribute some 13 billion a year and attracts significant inward invest into historically deprived areas. They have created significant opportunities for work and training, and provide valuable role models for the communities where they are based?

Trevor Philips, Chair, Commission for Racial Equality.