By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, May 22, GNA- The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) says innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) will be central to the 2026 edition of its flagship business awards.
The Chamber said the initiative formed part of efforts to position Ghanaian businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Mr Prince Ackuaku, Chairperson of the Awards Planning Committee, announced this at the launch of the awards in Accra on the theme: “Shaping a Resilient Future; the Role of Sustainability and AI in Business.”
He said the 2026 edition, scheduled for November 21, would highlight the transformative role of AI and digital technologies in promoting business growth and sustainability.
“One of our key criteria is how innovation and technology are driving businesses. Today, business is no longer about the usual methods; it is being driven by technology,” he said.
Mr Ackuaku noted that AI had become indispensable across sectors, including finance and insurance, and would soon dominate industries such as manufacturing and agriculture.
He said the Chamber was encouraging businesses to adopt AI solutions to improve productivity, reduce operational costs and enhance profitability.
“AI is the tool for development now. In the next two to four years, it will drive the economy. The earlier businesses adopt it, the better it will be for them,” he said.
Mr Mark Badu-Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of GNCCI, said the awards scheme continued to evolve in line with global trends by recognising organisations demonstrating excellence in technology adoption, innovation and best practices.
He said the awards, introduced in 2017, sought to acknowledge businesses that contributed significantly to national development, job creation and economic transformation.
“The objective is to reward outstanding achievement in innovation, best practices, and the use of technology, while inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Badu-Aboagye said this year’s awards would feature enhanced selection processes, including the use of research-driven data to identify high-performing companies instead of relying solely on self-nomination.
He said innovation, corporate social responsibility, tax compliance and employment generation would remain key criteria in determining winners.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey