Accra, March 29, GNA - Ghana commemorates this year's World Entrepreneurship Day (WED), with the honouring of 45 prominent entrepreneurs.

The Awards Committee of Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG) released the list of 45 nominees for the maiden Ghana Entrepreneur Awards 2010 scheduled for April 15, at the State Banquet Hall in Accra.

It is being organised by 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 Agricultural Development Bank.

A statement issued in Accra on Tuesday by Mr Sam Ato Gaisie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of EFG, said the awards would be institutionalised annually.

It explained that the awards 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. "They are fueling our economy with their creativity, tireless work ethics, and risk-taking spirit," it added.

The statement said the final selection was based on entrepreneurial spirit, financial performance, innovation, growth in annual sales, employment generation, a reputation for integrity and proven involvement in Ghana's economic growth.

Mr Ato Gaisie said Ghanaian entrepreneurs should strive to be on top in the 21st Century through joint partnership and other forms of capitals to compete with other countries.

"Ghana prides herself as the gateway to the West African Sub-Region but no Ghanaian entrepreneur was amongst the list of the latest Forbes Richest Entrepreneurs in the world," he added. Mr Ato Gaisie observed that entrepreneurs were the engine of job creation=85 generating millions of good jobs, but many begin with nothing more than a good idea, and translated new products and services into vibrant businesses.

"To secure the nation's future prosperity, efforts must be made to ensure Ghanaian entrepreneurs have the tools they need to survive and thrive," he stressed.

Mr Ato Gaisie pointed out that the nominees for the categories were nominated by various associations, financial institutions and their management teams.

The statement said the nominated list included Prince Kofi Amoabeng, CEO of UT Bank and UT Group, Alhaji Dr Asoma Banda, Chairman Antrak Group of Companies, Dr Kofi Amoah, CEO of Progeny Ventures Incorporated and Citizen Kofi Ltd, 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 Paul Lartey, CEO of Lagray Chemical Company, Dr Yaw Adu-Agyei Gyamfi, CEO of Danadams Pharmaceuticals, Nana Owusu Afari, CEO Afariwaa Group of Companies, Mr Kwabena Adjei, Chairman of Kasapreko Company, Dr Paa Kwasi 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, Dr Felix Kwaku Anyah, CEO Holy Trinity Medical Centre, Mr Kofi Nsiah Poku, CEO Kinapharma, 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, Mr Kobina Asamah Jnr, CEO of Type Company, Nana Opoku Agyemang, CEO O.A. Travel and Tours, Mr Terence Ronald Darko, CEO Mechanical Lloyd Company.

The other award winners are, Togbe Afede XIV, Director of Sunon-Asogli Power(Ghana), Mr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, CEO Zoomlion Company, Mr Tony Oteng Gyasi, CEO of Tropical Cable and Conductor Company, Mr Emmanuel Botchwey, Executive Chairman of Regimanuel-Gray Estates, Mr Seth Adu, CEO of Devtraco, Mr Kwesi Amoafo-Yeboah, Chairman of I-Tel Ghana, Dr Patrick Awuah, President of Ashesi University College, Mr Alfred Gyateng, CEO of Kingdom Books and Stationery, Ms Constance Swaniker, CEO Accents and Art Company, Mr Asare Adjei, CEO Asadtek Industries, Mrs Comfort Aniagyei, CEO Ghana Made Company, Mr and Mrs Johnson Fiah, Directors Gateway School Company, Mrs Grace Amey-Obeng, CEO FC Perfumery and Cosmetics. The categories to be awarded are, 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 are, 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).