Non-traditional companies to receive awards

The Export Achievement Scheme was introduced in 1989 by Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) as part of efforts by government to stimulate growth of non-traditional exports (NTEs), and as a cushion to the volatility of earnings from traditional exports.

The awards seek to formally recognise the contribution of exporters in the NTE sector to the economic prosperity of Ghana; commend exporters for exporting quality products and for breaking new grounds; encourage higher levels of performance by exporters; sustain the interest of exporters in the export trade; raise export consciousness among Ghanaians in general; and increase and sustain national awareness for export.

 
A source at the GEPA told the Daily Graphic that since its inception, over 600 export companies and facilitating institutions had been recognised through various ways, while special awards were also presented to institutions and organisations that contribute in diverse ways to the growth of the NTE sector during the events.

Companies are required to be registered with GEPA in order to qualify to receive any of the awards. Such companies should not have won the Gold award in the last three consecutive years.

Some awards categories are the Exporter of the Year, Platinum Award, Gold Award, Most Diversified Exporter and Woman Exporter of the Year, as well as the Silver and Innovative Product of the Year.

Selection of Awardees is done by an Awards Selection Committee made up of representatives from the following institutions: Ministry of Trade & Industry (MOTI), Federation of Associations of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Bank of Ghana (BOG), Ghana Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), Ghana Community Network Services (GCNET), Export Development and Agricultural Investment Fund (EDAIF), Ministry of Food & Agriculture (MOFA), Ghana Revenue Authority-Domestic Tax Revenue Division and Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) -Technical Advisors.

The Chief Executive Officer of the GEPA is an ex-officio member of the committee.

Participating companies have benefited immensely from the export award. Exporters use the award as an effective marketing tool to gain credibility both home and abroad. It has therefore become a strong motivating drive for them to increase their earnings in both quantity and quality.