The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has officially launched its prestigious Industry and Quality Awards’ 14th edition in Accra, urging businesses to adopt and maintain high quality standards to remain competitive on the global stage.
This year’s edition, themed ‘Accessing new markets through improved quality standards to drive business growth and job creation’, brought together captains of industry, policymakers and development partners in a renewed push to highlight the role of quality in driving industrial transformation.
Dr. Nora Bannerman-Abbott, Chairperson-Awards Planning Committee, said the AGI awards continue to serve as a platform for recognising excellence and promoting competitiveness within the industrial sector.
She noted that this year’s theme aligns with government’s 24-hour economy policy, which aims at transitioning Ghana toward a more export-driven economy by enhancing production capabilities and market access.
“The goal is to improve quality of goods and services for both regional and international markets while leveraging financing opportunities through institutions such as Ghana Exim and Development Bank Ghana,” she said.
Dr. Bannerman-Abbott stressed that in today’s interconnected global economy, quality must be a mindset and an essential part of every production process.
“These standards are vital for the survival of our businesses, job creation and Ghana’s participation in global trade,” she added.
She further highlighted the increasing need to explore new markets, especially in the context of rising non-tariff barriers to trade.
In a speech read on behalf of the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry by Madam Cynthia Dzokoto, Director for SMEs at the ministry, the minister affirmed that the focus on quality fits squarely within government’s broader economic transformation agenda.
She said the 24-hour economy initiative seeks to foster inclusive growth by prioritising export competitiveness and value-added production, as opposed to continued dependence on raw commodity exports.
“These awards reflect not only recognition but also a call to action for Ghanaian businesses to meet and exceed global standards,” the minister’s speech noted. “In an era of open borders, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ghanaian products must not merely participate – they must compete and excel.”
Past AGI president Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, who delivered a statement on behalf of AGI president Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, praised AGI’s consistent efforts in championing industrial excellence.
He encouraged Ghanaian businesses to invest in quality assurance systems, innovation and adherence to international standards to increase global competitiveness.
“With rigorous quality standards, Ghana can improve its trade balance and position itself as a key player in the global economic space,” he said. “We must strengthen value chains and pursue policies that promote sustainable integration into the global economy.”
Dr. Kludjeson also urged industrialists to build trust, enhance security and embrace sustainability goals, all of which are essential in today’s competitive marketplace.
During the launch, 11 companies were specially recognised for their unwavering support of the awards scheme over many years.
Award categories for the upcoming ceremony include major awards, sector-specific awards, regional awards, an inclusive business category and a number of honorary recognitions.
The AGI Industry and Quality Awards continue to be a significant benchmark in the domestic industrial calendar, celebrating businesses that demonstrate outstanding performance and a commitment to excellence.
