Business leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, investors, industry professionals and distinguished guests from Ghana and beyond gathered at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra for the 9th edition of the Ghana Business Standard Awards (GBSA) 2026.
Held under the theme, “Celebrating Business Meeting Remarkable Standards Geared Towards Sustainable Growth in Ghana,” the prestigious event brought together influential figures from the business community to celebrate excellence, innovation, professionalism and businesses that continue to contribute to Ghana’s economic development.
The event was hosted by renowned Ghanaian Broadcaster journalist Kweku Temeng, who served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Ghana Business Standard Awards also received support from key partners, including SAA and the West Africa Food Industry, whose contributions helped make the ceremony a success.
Beyond the awards and recognition, the 2026 edition provided an important platform for conversations around standards, quality, ethical business practices, investment, regional cooperation and the need for African businesses to become more competitive on the global stage.
TURNING AFRICAN RESILIENCE INTO CAPACITY
One of the key messages of the evening came from Nana Kwadwo Marfo Ampong I, who challenged Africans to move beyond simply surviving difficult circumstances and focus on building the capacity required to create lasting economic progress.
“Africans are resilient, but we must turn that resilience into capacity,” he said.
He noted that resilience should not simply mean surviving challenges, stressing that Africa must develop systems and institutions that prevent challenges from becoming a permanent way of life.
A major focus of his address was the importance of trust, standards and quality in positioning African businesses for international markets.
He observed that while the world may not understand Africa’s many local languages, it understands internationally accepted systems of verification, including certifications, specifications, audited accounts, laboratory results and globally recognized standards.
Nana Kwadwo Marfo Ampong I also encouraged African businesses to compete globally without abandoning their identity.
“Build it here. Grow it here. Process it here. Brand it here. Own it here ,but build it to a level that allows it to compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
He urged entrepreneurs to think beyond Africa’s borders and develop Ghanaian and African products that are produced locally, measured against global standards and trusted internationally.
GHANA-CÔTE D’IVOIRE COOPERATION AND THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN BUSINESS
Another significant contribution came from His Excellency Asielou Felix Tanon, whose address focused on excellence, ethical business practices and stronger economic cooperation between Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and the wider African continent.
He emphasized that the Ghana Business Standard Awards should be viewed as more than a platform for celebrating business achievements.
According to him, the awards also recognize professionalism, integrity, innovation, quality, responsibility and the continuous pursuit of excellence.
H.E. Tanon encouraged investors and businesses to explore opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire while calling for increased investment across Africa in areas such as innovation, skills development, entrepreneurship and economic cooperation.
He further stressed that businesses must find a balance between profitability and responsibility, innovation and ethics, as well as competitiveness and their contribution to society.
His remarks highlighted the important role of the private sector in driving economic transformation, creating opportunities and strengthening African integration.
He congratulated the nominees and winners and encouraged businesses and institutions to continue pursuing standards that can strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.
GHANA AND SURINAME: BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH CULTURE AND TRADE
The ceremony also featured remarks from H.E. Fidelia Graand-Galon, who highlighted the longstanding cultural connection between Ghana and Suriname and the opportunities that relationship presents for trade, investment and stronger people-to-people ties.
She encouraged Ghanaians and Surinamese to deepen their understanding of one another’s culture, history, food and traditions, noting that cultural understanding can serve as an important foundation for successful business relationships.
Her message also focused on education, trade and economic cooperation, with a call for both countries to identify ways of sharing knowledge, resources and opportunities.
One of the memorable messages from her address was the idea of “Ahala” supporting and lifting one another.
She encouraged people and businesses to become a source of support for one another and to build relationships that can create opportunities for shared growth.
CELEBRATING STANDARDS AND THE PEOPLE BEHIND GHANA’S BUSINESS GROWTH
The 9th Ghana Business Standard Awards ultimately served as both a celebration and a reminder of the work required to build a stronger business environment in Ghana.
From the emphasis on global standards and locally produced goods to calls for ethical leadership, regional cooperation, innovation and responsible investment, the messages delivered during the ceremony reflected a shared interest in creating businesses that can withstand challenges and compete beyond Africa.
The gathering at Kempinski Hotel in Accra brought together people from different sectors and backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in advancing Ghana’s private sector.click Here
