The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has awarded about 20 companies for the excellence displayed in their various areas of operations.

Cement manufacturing company, Ghacem, was named ‘Best Company of the Year’. The award follows what the AGI describes as the company’s immense contribution to the country’s economy and a commitment to develop local content in its operation.

Local pharmaceutical giant Dannex Limited also received the top award for that sector.

The two, were among 20 other companies who received recognition for their resilience despite the challenging business climate for the greater part of this year.

Ghacem, was also named as the best performing company in the metals, building and construction sector.

Other award winners included Metal manufacturing company B5 Plus, Groupe Nduom, Identity management systems Ghana limited as well as Unilever Ghana who received various awards for best corporate social responsibility company, best employer of the year, Young enterprise company of the year as well as best practices in sustainable manufacturing.

Best company in the agribusiness; automotive and transportation; chemicals as well as electricals and electronics sectors went to Vester oil mills, McDan Shipping company ,J.A Biney and co limited and Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Limited respectively.

President of the AGI, James Asare Adjei called for a medium to long-term approach to solving the energy crisis which has affected the growth of businesses.

“A piecemeal approach will not solve the problem if you take energy, we need a medium to long term solution where there will be specific time bound approach to looking at implementing a strategic national energy plan for the medium term over a five year period and the long term over a fifteen year period,” he said.

On his expectation of 2016, Mr. Asare Adjei said,

“We think that the government should reduce its borrowing from the domestic market which crowds out the private sector, AGI thinks that the government should be able to set up a stimulus fund to be able to support some key strategic companies to be able to grow.”

Meanwhile, ENI Ghana emerged as leader in the oil and gas sector with Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and Vanguard assurance winning the food and beverages sector and best company in financial services (insurance), respectively.

Other companies that picked awards included; Winglow Clothes and textiles limited, IPMC, G-Pak, Qualiplast, Ghandour Cosmetics limited, Ramel business services, DDP Outdoor limited and Ayum Forest products.