Trade and Industry Minister Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has reaffirmed government’s resolve to promote entrepreneurship and provide the requisite support for budding entrepreneurs in the country, as this is a critical to the national quest for sustainable socio-economic development.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Ghana Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame Awards, an event that saw the induction of 25 distinguished entrepreneurs into a prestigious Hall of Fame, he also indicated that government is mindful of the challenges facing businesses in the country, especially small and medium enterprises, and is working aggressively to reverse the situation.

The Ghana Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame Awards is an initiative of the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana (EFG) to honour and recognise seasoned wealth-creators and business chieftains in the country.

“Government remains committed to providing support to entrepreneurs, as they are the people that keep an economy vibrant through job and wealth-creation.

“MOTI is mindful of the challenges facing the business community and is working aggressively to resolve them; our goal is to empower and push small and medium enterprises to grow into global giants so as to drive the national transformation agenda,” he noted.

Mr. Spio-Garbrah said his ministry is committed to providing an enabling business environment that will push local businesses to flourish, even as it is seeking to drastically reduce surging interest rates in order for entrepreneurs to rake in more returns on their investments.

About 25 outstanding entrepreneurs out of a total of 120 who have been recognised by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana in the last five years of the Ghana Entrepreneurs Awards were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Chief Executive Officer of the EFG, Sam Ato-Gaise, told the B&FT that the event was a spin-off from the fifth anniversary of the annual entrepreneurial awards scheme that celebrates businessmen and women whose toil continues to contribute to national development.

“We have been awarding and celebrating entrepreneurs over the last four years, and in our fifth year we are introducing this unique form of recognition to honour the hardworking entrepreneurs whose toil has contributed to the development of Ghana,” he said.

Mr. Gaisie said the induction will encourage the inductees to continue contributing significantly to the economy’s development and serve as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs.

“The Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame honours is the shortlist of an elite group of most outstanding entrepreneurs who have been recognised and honored by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana for their exceptional entrepreneurial achievements and accomplishments in creating economic and social values,” he added.

The event is being organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and is on the theme “Celebrating five years of honoring Entrepreneurial Excellence”.