Takoradi, Aug 31, GNA 97 The Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has this year's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards to acknowledge the contributions of companies in the Western Region.

The awards, slated for December 9, will award both public and private institutions that have displayed outstanding leadership and commitment to CSR sustainability programmes in their areas of operations.

Addressing the media and some entrepreneurs at a press conference in Takoradi Mr. Ato Van-Ess, the Chairman of the Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Chamber would institute a panel that would evaluate the CSR of companies in the Region. The awards dubbed: 93the CSR Award Night" is themed 93Creativity in Corporate Social Responsibility to Accelerate Economic Development".

Mr. Van-Ess said the benchmark for awarding corporate institutions would be based on best CSR practices that address environmental and social issues.

It would also look out for organizations with clear policies on CSR that develop the local people, educate consumers on the proper usage of products as well as ensure transparency.

Mr. Van-Ess said the award categories would include Most Innovative CSR project, the Best CSR workplace practice, the Most Impactful CSR project, the People's Choice CSR award, Environmental Excellence and the Best Community Engagement programme. He said the award would help with the branding of the companies to enable the consuming public patronize their products and services. This would challenge companies that might not receive any award to position themselves well to perform their corporate social responsibilities.

"The awards will be open to all companies operating in the Region including the public and private sectors, partnerships and multinational companies and non-governmental organizations", he said.