Accra, April 15, GNA - Mr Prince Kofi Amoabeng, Chief Executive Officer of UT Bank, was adjudged the overall Best Entrepreneur of the Year 2010 at the maiden Ghana Entrepreneur Awards in Accra on Friday. The Ghana Entrepreneur Awards was aimed at identifying, recognising and honouring Ghanaian Entrepreneurs who have exhibited superior performance that has helped them emerged out of poverty, create jobs and added value to society.

In addition, it was to support the development of new enterprises and the creation of role models who could inspire and mentor future generations of entrepreneurs.

It is being organised by Entrepreneur Foundation of Ghana (EFG), a non-profit organisation striving to foster entrepreneurship in Ghana through mentoring, networking and education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and supported by the Agricultural Development Bank.

The Awards Night commemorated this year's World Entrepreneurship Day (WED), where 40 prominent entrepreneurs were honoured. Mr Seth Adjei-Baah, President of Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), said Ghana's increasing attraction for investment has to a large extent been due to its vast human talents which have demonstrated capabilities to adapt to the changing needs of the world of work owing to technological innovations, competition and globalisation.

"GNNCI on its part would continue to play an active role towards the development of Ghana's human capital through constant training and retraining programmes for entrepreneurs as well as constructive engagement of policy makers in discussions to engender a paradigm shift in human resource development...," he added. He said the award was also aimed at recognising the exceptional achievements of Ghanaian entrepreneurs and their efforts in creating jobs and contributing to the growth of the country's economy.

Mr Sam Ato Gaisie, Chief Executive Officer of EFG, encouraged the youth to take up entrepreneurship to develop themselves and create jobs for others.

He said Ghanaian entrepreneurs should strive to be on top in the 21st Century through joint partnership and other forms of capital to compete with other countries He appealed to institutions to support the foundation in honouring prominent entrepreneurs in the country The awardees list included Prince Kofi Amoabeng, CEO of UT Bank and UT Group, Alhaji Dr Asoma Banda, Chairman Antrak Group of Companies, Mr Roland Agambire, CEO of RLG Communications, Mrs Elizabeth Joyce Villars, CEO of Camelot Ghana and Mr Albert Ocran, CEO of Combert Impression.

The others are; Dr Michael Agyekum Addo, CEO of Kama Group Ghana, Mr Oko Nikoi Dzani, CEO of NDK Financial Services, Dr Yaw Adu-Agyei Gyamfi, CEO of Danadams Pharmaceuticals, Mr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of Kasapreko Company, Mrs Yovnne Nduom, CEO of Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Mr Martin Kwaku Kumah Esq. CEO of Kumah Farms Complex, Mrs Rosemond Siaw Mensah, CEO Ernimich, Mr Edward Effah, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, CEO of Databank Financial Services. The rest are; Mr Kwame Acheampong-Kyei, Executive Chairman Glico Group, Mr Ernest Bediako Sampong, CEO of Ernest Chemist, Mr John Taylor, CEO of Cirrus Oil Services, Mr Osei Kwame, CEO of Despite Group of Companies, Mr Kwesi Twum, CEO of Multi Media Broadcasting Company.

Others are; Mr Kwaw Ansah, Chairman of Television Africa, Mr Torgbor Mensah, Chairman of Argon Group, Ms Esther Cobbah, CEO of Strategic Communications, Africa, Mr Kojo Bonsu, CEO of Agoo Media Ghana, Nana Opoku Agyemang, CEO O.A. Travel and Tours, Mr Terence Ronald Darko, CEO Mechanical Lloyd Company.

The categories awarded were; the Overall Best Entrepreneur 2010, Young Entrepreneur, Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding, Special Achievement, Most Promising Woman Entrepreneur, IT and Telecommunication, Export, Insurance, Banking and Non Banking.

The rest were; SME Innovation, Services, Manufacturing, Books and Stationery, Pharmaceuticals Distribution and Manufacturing, Advertising, Electronic Media, Radio and Television, Print Media, Commercial Printing, Automobile, Education, Health, Energy, Cosmetics and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, Transportation, Hospitality and Tourism, Real Estate and Construction, Agriculture, Electrical, Environmental and Sanitation and Media Communication (Consultancy). 16 April 11