The stage is officially set for the 2025 edition of the Global Trade and Business Awards (GTBA), following a successful media launch held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Golden Crystal Hotel in East Legon.
The event brought together high-profile diplomats, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to celebrate Ghana’s leadership in international trade and to officially open nominations for this year’s awards.
Facilitated by Mr. Eric Owusu Mensah, CEO of OM Holdings Ltd., the media launch provided a platform for in-depth discussions on international partnerships, innovation, sustainability, and trade transformation—core pillars of the GTBA’s mission.
Attendees included High Commissioner of South Africa to Ghana, Mr. Thando Dalamba, Founder and CEO of Prospee Creatives, Ms. Ivy Prosper, President of the Ghana–Sweden Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Pearl Vanderpuije, and Ms. Neka Sawadoge, Director of Let’s Lead Africa. Each speaker delivered impactful insights aligned with this year’s central theme: Empowering Global Trade Through Innovation and Partnerships.
Speaking on the role of international investment, South African High Commissioner Mr. Thando Dalamba underscored the importance of deepening bilateral trade between Ghana and South Africa.
“Global trade remains one of the most powerful tools for sustainable economic growth in the 21st century,” he said. “Ghana and South Africa already enjoy strong trade ties, but there is room to expand these further. I encourage investors to support trading companies and help unlock the full potential of Africa’s markets.”
Ms. Ivy Prosper, a respected entrepreneur and creative industry leader, spoke passionately on the value of relationships and identifying niche markets, particularly in Ghana’s fast-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“In Ghanaian business culture, punctuality and social connections matter. Trade isn’t just about money—it’s about building long-term relationships,” she noted.
“Find your niche. That’s where passion and success intersect. With 62% of the diaspora returning to Africa to launch businesses, Ghana stands as the ultimate gateway—not just to the continent, but to the world.”
Representing Nordic-African collaboration, Mrs. Pearl Vanderpuije, President of the Ghana–Sweden Chamber of Commerce, called attention to the untapped potential of Ghana–Sweden trade partnerships in sustainability and technology.
“Sweden is a leader in renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable urban infrastructure,” she said. “Projects like Solar Taxis here in Ghana demonstrate the promise of our cooperation in reducing carbon emissions and building greener cities.
But we must also advocate for more support—like the establishment of a Swedish Embassy in Ghana to create new gateways for growth.”
Adding a bold call to action, Ms. Neka Sawadoge, Director of Let’s Lead Africa and a prominent voice in the African diaspora, emphasized the importance of local empowerment and strategic collaboration.
“Let’s stop waiting to be discovered. Ghana isn’t hidden—we’re shouting from the rooftops that we are here,” she declared. “Let’s solve our logistical and technical challenges by building partnerships from within. Skill development, infrastructure, and local confidence are the keys to our future.”
The event served as more than a launch; it became a visionary gathering that highlighted Ghana’s unique position in the global trade ecosystem. With Africa becoming increasingly central to conversations on innovation, green business, and sustainable development, stakeholders at the launch agreed that Ghana has all the elements to lead the continent forward.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Eric Owusu Mensah, the driving force behind the Global Trade and Business Awards, expressed optimism about Ghana’s future and the global relevance of the awards.
“This platform is designed not just to celebrate excellence but to amplify Ghana’s voice in global trade conversations. We are committed to recognizing innovation, leadership, and businesses—big or small—that are shaping trade as we know it.”
He encouraged businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to seize the moment by participating in the nomination process.
“We invite everyone making a difference in trade and commerce to submit their nominations and get the recognition they deserve,” he said.
Nominations now open
Nominations are officially open for the 2025 Global Trade and Business Awards, which will be held at the Accra Marriott Hotel on Saturday, August 22, 2025. The awards will honor individuals and organizations excelling in international trade, innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Companies, institutions, and individuals can submit their entries by visiting the official nomination portal: gtbawards.om-holdingsltd.com.
This year’s ceremony promises to be a prestigious gathering of global changemakers, bringing together key players from Africa’s business and trade communities to celebrate and reward the champions of economic growth and transformation.
The Global Trade and Business Awards continues to position itself as one of the continent’s most respected platforms for highlighting excellence, driving innovation, and fostering international collaboration.
