GPA Rewards Top Ghanaian Professionals & Business's

Entertainment, prestige, excitement, pomp and pageantry was the scene at the New Connaught Rooms on Saturday 2nd August 2003 as the cream of Ghana's Professionals and Businesses were recognised for their commitment to excellence, dedication, innovation and creativity. The GPA Awards, which is in its 3rd year, was founded by Emelia Bartels of Excel Marketing Consultancy, a Media Relations, Marketing, Communications and Consulting firm based in the UK.

The GPA Awards was created to raise the profile of the Ghanaian community and to encourage the Ghanaian youth. In an era where mediocrity and unravelling of the status quo is commonplace in our community, Emelia Bartels hopes this event will encourage the other Black and Minority Ethnic communities to emulate and to set industry role models for our youth.

An atmosphere laden with dreamy lighting and themed-feathered centrepieces, the event kicked off with a champagne reception and networking session, followed by a buffet dinner. Entertainment was provided by the wonderful South African musician, Sonte Mndebele. Guests were also treated to a fashion show by the upmarket designs of Mesma Scarves punctuated with music by the talented accappella (or should I say Afroppella) group, Alabaster Box and singer Theo Bessem.

Amidst the comedy and the laughter, BBC presenters Henry Bonsu and Gillian Joseph set the awards rolling with much alacrity. Notable award winners were Dr Nellie Adjaye, Consultant Paediatrician on the Victoria Climbe case for her outstanding contribution to Medicine. Former Holby City and Casualty star, Adjoa Andoh received the award for Entertainment. Again, Salome Asseku-Aful CEO of Mesma-on-line scooped the Fashion award from top designers Tina Atiemo and Kwame Dabra. Salome is also a GWIN (Global Women's Inventors Network) 2003 winner and finalist at the British female inventor of the year award. The Media award went to Kut & Payste Media for Creative media and for carving out a niche, faced by competition from Baffour Ankumah, Editor of the New African, and another media company, Interact New Media.

Top Ghanaian architect, David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates, scooped the award for Architecture. For the Banking and Finance category, the award went to Frank Etu-Menson, a Financial Economist and Banker for professionalism, outstanding skill and contribution to the UK banking and finance. The Business Innovator award went to Manjaro Bar in Islington for exceptional achievement and unique method of doing business. While the Entrepreneur of the Year award went to Interact New Media with stiff competition from other finalists. Paul Sodzi, an Aerospace Engineering Consultant won the award for Science & Technology for his personal achievement in science, while Sandra Teichman, a top barrister at Unisys, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to Law and the BME youth. Bishop Frimpong Manson, Founder of Reconciliation International, a charity in north London, was given the Religion & Social Care award for his dedicated and selfless service to his community.

Special recognition awards were given to Roger Gilman Funeral Charity, 'TEABAG' for his outstanding contribution to the under privileged in Ghana. The Young Creative Star award went to Isaac Inoom also know as 'Mr Numbervator' for his invention of the 'handi calci'. The Excell Award for Innovation, Dedication and Excellence (IDE) went to Dr Nellie Adjaye, Consultant Paediatrician for putting Ghana on the recognition map. Kwame Kwei-Armah, of Celebrity Fame Academy, to his surprise, was given 'The GPA Man Of The Year' Award for promoting Ghana and the underprivileged in the mainstream media.

In his keynote speech, His Excellency Mr Isaac Osei, the Ghana High Commissioner, commended the GPA team for putting up an excellent event and encouraged all to support such amiable events. He intimated, "I hope to see and will be back for GPA in its 10th year celebrations". Other special guests at the event were deputy High Commissioner for Ghana, Mr Kwabena Baah Duodu, Mr Charles Thompson, Founder of the Screen Nation Awards otherwise known as the 'Black Oscars', Mr David Dunkley-Gyimah, Freelance Producer, Lecturer and Broadcaster at Channel Four TV, Dr Titilola Banjoko of the Commonwealth Business Council Insight and 'Find a job in Africa', Mrs Gifty Edila, Director of Law at Kensington and Chelsea Council, Mr Henry Annan, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Mr Chris Piper of IC Publications and Mrs Zetha Anna of UNICEF.

The GPA event was also in support of a number of charities both here in the UK and in Ghana, with a prize draw and auction. Prizes included, two free business class trips to Ghana with a weekend stay in Ghana's premier hotels La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel and Golden Tulip Hotel as well as a free trip to Paris.