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Diasporia News of Sunday, 31 July 2016

Source: Andy Kankam, Dubai

Ghanaian gets international award

The First Sky Group Chairman receiving one of his two awards from Mr. Johnson. The First Sky Group Chairman receiving one of his two awards from Mr. Johnson.

Either in human life or business existence, good work is often recognized and honoured.

Even though people could pretend as performing just to covet corporate goodness, real diligence at work always naturally attracts and leads to higher things in individual and corporate life.

The above paragraphs shed lights upon the nature of corporate best practices of a Ghanaian, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse and his Construction firm, the First Sky Limited, being adjudged the Outstanding Construction Company of the Year [2016] by The West African Regional Magazine.

A letter informing the corporate Chief Executive Officer [CEO], Mr. Seddy Kutortse of his company’s terrific performance agrees in parts that; “This [award] is for revolutionizing the construction industry of Ghana by building roads, bridges and highways that have done the country proud.”

“Some of your signature projects include the 27.7km MIDA road project, which FIRST SKY Limited completed at a record time; the on-going 27-kilometre road project in Krachi West District [Kete-Krachi], Volta Region to be completed in 2017, and many others have heralded you as the undisputable flagship of Ghana’s construction industry;” it continued.

“This award is, therefore, well-deserved, as it’s actually an appreciation of your impeccable record in the road sector”: the message concluded.

The West African Regional Magazine, which has among its priorities, highlighting of the sub-region [West Africa] with the aim of promoting intra-regional trade explains thus; “Among leading corporations moving the sub-region forward, FIRST SKY LTD. stands out conspicuously, for recognition:

“We are, therefore delighted to inform you that by a unanimous decision, you have been selected for the Leadership Award as OUTSTANDING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF THE YEAR [2016]”.

The 3RD Edition of the T.W.A.R.M Business & Leadership AWARDS which kicked off at exactly 8: o’clock local time in Dubai’s GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL, brought together great business personalities across the West African sub-region, particularly Ghana. Under the theme: “Removing Trade Barriers Amongst Countries in West African,” the Managing Director of the group, Madam Rossette Aliu, urged the awardees to use the opportunity offered to explore and connect to the continent’s business giants, for better business investment prospects.

With the focus on promoting trade and business investment between the United Arab Emirates [UAE], she added that the event was necessitated by the real need for the West African Sub-region, to broaden its businesses so as to deepen bilateral economic and trade ties with Gulf State Countries, most especially, the UAE, through peer networking events such as the ceremony [awards] under-reference.

In a speech read on his behalf, Nii Guate Asuasa II, the Traditional War King of Akra Asere Kotopon, Ga State, remind the excelling personalities of the great importance for strong partnership between Ghana businesses and that of the UAE.

According to him, the peaceful environment in Ghana serves as an important condition for businesses to thrive, hence the synergy between Ghanaian businesses and that of the UAE, adding that, the event will open doors for businesses and corporations in UAE to take keen interest in investing in Ghana.

Awards

Adjudged the most outstanding CEO and Construction Company of the Year -2016 for its revolutionary works in the construction industry in Ghana, Eric Seddy Kutortse, who has originally conditioned himself to be honoured, was tasked with additional responsibility, to lead the gathering with the Opening prayer as he glows with unending enthusiasm to always serve his Maker through the people.

First to mount the podium for the awards, Mr. Kutortse said in speech; “I am not only humbled by the honour bestowed on me, but it’s a real test to strive further to higher heights, which I am optimistic of achieving with Christ in my vessel”.

Addressing his colleague awardees, the Chairman of the First Sky Group stated that though, the continent had looked up to the Europe and America for most of its businesses, it is never out of place for redirecting - to breaking new grounds for business opportunities this time around with the UAE following the Emirate’s success story worldwide.

According to him, even though business is the main focus, all must use the platform offered to reconstruct the image of the African Continent, with its endowed resources in all spheres which, hitherto, has been perceived to be that of war, poverty, gloom, doom and slavery.

“My brothers and sisters, this is a real opportunity for us to begin the reconstruction process of the continent [Africa] and opening it to all facets with emphasis on youth empowerment, and harnessing their potentials.

It is my prayer that the honour done us will propel us to better heights in our various fields of endeavour; not forgetting our responsibilities to God, our Maker”; Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse concludes, amidst huge standing ovation from the fully-packed hall of multitude of recipients and invited guests that include Madam Mavis Esi Kusorgbor, Consul/Head of Chancery; Consulate General of Ghana at the Conference Hall of GROSVENOR HOUSE HOTEL, last Saturday evening, July 30th, 2016.

Apart from Mr. Kutortse and his First Sky Limited, other award recipients include Dr. Kwaku Oteng, CEO of Angel Group of companies; Mr. Thomas Baafi II, CEO, BSYSTEMS Ghana Limited, and Mr. Tony Elumelu, CEO, Heirs Holdings.

In the corporate category are; United Bank of Africa [UBA]; Millennium City Estate; KEK Insurance Brokers Limited, Ghana; Chocho and Niche.

It would be recalled that in April this year, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse and his group of companies - First Sky Construction Limited and Volta Serene Hotel, were recognized during Ghana Entrepreneur Awards 2016 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Accra.

Mounting the podium twofold for recognition at that forum, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, first picked the Group Chief Executive of the Year Award 2015, and second, for his Volta Serene Hotel for its stupendous hospitality [Hospitality & Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award -2015].

The honours at the time firmed-up His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama’s commendations for him and company during his “Accounting to the People tour” of the Volta Region to inspect projects [roads constructions] being undertaken by the aforementioned house –First Sky.

Happy with the performance of First Sky Construction Limited, the President noted that even though people have some misgivings with Ghanaian contractors, services offered by the company under-reference promote the overall developmental agenda of the country – thus both human and infrastructural development; and commended him for the good work done.

Profile

Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse is the Chairman of First Sky Group of Companies with First Sky Construction; First Sky Commodities and Volta Serene Hotel; Serene Insurance being its subsidiaries.

Born on March 5th, 1972, at Awate Todzi, a village in the Volta Region where he had his basic education proceeded to Kpando Secondary School and came out with distinction in the Ordinary Level Examination.

He obtained his Advanced Level Certificate in the same school [Kpasec]after which he got enrolled at the Ghana’s premier university, University of Ghana, Legon.

Soon, after earning a Bachelor Degree from the University of Ghana, Legon, Eric conceived the idea of going into civil work so began constructing bridges under the registered name First Sky Construction Ltd.

From a small one room office, First Sky Construction Ltd. had grown to assume a group status, First Sky Group, with an ultramodern office complex at Community 25, Tema, Accra-Ghana.

Eric currently hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management from GIMPA. Established in 2002, the First Sky Construction Ltd. has grown significantly over the last decade and is managed by a highly multi-skilled professional team, aiding timely delivery and within budget.

In 2015, Mr. Kutortse established the Volta Serene Hotel, a luxurious four-star hotel, in the Volta Regional Capital, Ho.

The plush facility has 72 rooms inclusive of a presidential suite, chalets, state of the art executive rooms, ultra-modern conference facilities, an amazing array of recreational and entertainment facilities including a nightclub.

The First Sky Group, under the leadership of its chairman, over the years supported several social and religious causes.