…as it launches 13th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards
By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has urged businesses to prioritise innovation as a key strategy to sustain productivity.
Speaking at the launch of the 13th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of AGI, Seth Twum-Akwaboah emphasised that adapting and innovating are essential for businesses to thrive in this complex and uncertain environment.
The CEO said this highlighting that the business landscape is marked by geopolitical tensions, economic headwinds, technological disruptions, and environmental challenges, making it more dynamic than ever.
“Amidst these uncertainties, one thing remains constant: the need for businesses to adapt, innovate, and sustain productivity to thrive. Investing in innovation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity.
“It is through innovation that we can turn challenges into opportunities, and disruptions into breakthroughs. However, innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives in environments where ideas are shared, partnerships are forged, and diverse perspectives are valued,” he stated.
He added that for businesses to mitigate uncertainties, they also need to diversify their supply chains to significantly enhance the efficiency, competitiveness, and growth.
Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah urged resilience saying that sustaining what businesses do and experiencing gradual growth are significant achievements, especially in a challenging environment.
Conducive environment
In an address, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi, assures of the government’s commitment to create a conducive business environment that will enable businesses to thrive locally and internationally.
He said government is laying the groundwork for a more favorable business environment, which will drive significant growth.
“From next year, the business environment will be something else. You will see proper growth,” he stated, highlighting that the Ghana Revenue Authority is revising its approach to be more supportive of businesses rather than strictly enforcing regulations. These efforts, he noted, are aimed at helping companies to stand on their feet, grow stronger, and achieve greater success in the years ahead.
13th Ghana Industry and Quality Awards
The 13th edition of its Ghana Industry and Quality Awards, aimed at recognising and celebrating excellence, innovation, and resilience within the Ghanaian business community.
Chairperson of the AGI Awards Planning Committee, Dr. Nora Bannerman-Abbott noted that “The AGI Awards are designed to celebrate companies that have shown remarkable resilience and innovation, especially in navigating the uncertainties of our business landscape.”
She said nominations, which opened in July, are still ongoing, urging businesses across all regions of Ghana to participate before the deadline.
This year’s awards will feature Major Awards, Sector Awards, and Regional Awards, with additional honorary awards for outstanding companies and personalities. A notable feature of the awards is the partnership with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), which includes the GSA’s National Best Quality Award as part of the ceremony.
Dr. Bannerman-Abbott also resounded the need for businesses to adopt digital transformation or technology, and continuous learning to remain competitive.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
For her part, Head of the Systems Certification Department at GSA, Mrs. Dzienyo Akafia, commended AGI for its unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of quality and recognising the achievements of those who have shown remarkable dedication to promoting local production.
“These awards will not only honor leading companies but also set a benchmark for others to strive towards. By focusing attention on remarkable practices and successes, we aim to inspire a culture of excellence and continuous improvement across all sectors of the economy,” she added.
