Ambassador Fredrick Clavier together with AFD country Director Mrs. Amelie July and the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry,Hon. Nii lamptey Vanderpuije presenting an award to Star Shea Ltd.
The French Ambassador H.E. Frédéric Clavier together with and the Resident Manager of Agence Française de Développement (AFD), Mrs. Amélie July on March 13th , 2014, awarded four Ghanaian innovators for their successful participation in the “Innovations for Sustainable Development” competition organised by the French government.
The selected participants, Star Shea Ltd, Bright Generation Community Foundation, Man and Man Ltd. and Adidome Ceramics Company, were presented a certificate of participation on behalf of the French Minister Delegate for Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Pascal Canfin.
The presentation ceremony which was held at the residence of the French Ambassador attracted several high profile dignitaries within and around the Ghanaian diplomatic quarters, most notably the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Nii Lamptey Vanderpuije.
In his opening address, Mr. Frederick Clavier said that the “100 Innovations for Sustainable Development” competition aims to encourage and commend African innovators who through creative innovations are contributing to poverty alleviation and environmental protection on the continent.
“This competition aims to highlight the work of those who drive African innovations and offer solutions to solve concrete every day needs” he said.
Mr. Clavier therefore congratulated Ghana for making the final shortlist of the overall 100 projects selected from Africa, describing it as a “no mean achievement”.
The Ambassador also revealed that Ghana’s” Rural Sourcing Management system” project by the Star Shea Ltd is finally chosen among the best 21 projects presented at the African Forum which took place at the “Elysée Summit for Peace and Security in Africa” in Paris last year.
“This achievement is evidence that Civil Society Organizations in Ghana are very effective and very dedicated towards the development of the populace in Ghana… and the French government will therefore continue to support your activities through the French Development Agency (AFD) and the other French agencies in Ghana” he added.
Ms. Amelie July, the Country Director of AFD, in her speech, congratulated the laureates for their successful participation in the competition.
She also urged them to design more innovations in order to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of Ghana adding that the doors of her outfit are always opened for future collaborations.
The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Nii Lamptey Vanderpuije, on behalf of the Government, praised the award laureates for making the country proud and advised Ghanaians to patronize “Made in Ghana” products in order to encourage more Ghanaian innovations.
Mr. Vanderpuije also lauded the French government for instituting the competition and called for more partnerships and cooperation between Ghana and France in the future.
He also took the opportunity to appeal for more investments for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana in order to reduce the rate of unemployment in country.
The “100 Innovations for Sustainable Development” competition was instituted throughout Africa in October 2013 by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to highlight the work of people driving African innovation.
The initiative aims to showcase innovations in the field of sustainable development in recycling of raw materials, waste recovery, housing construction techniques, education and healthcare designed by African men and women.
The four Ghanaian innovators are part of a total of 100 innovators shortlisted from 800 applicants from 33 countries by a committee of eminent personalities in Business including Winny Byanyima, Executive Director of OXFAM International, Malamine Kone, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Airness; and Jean-Michel Severino, CEO of Investisseurs et partenaires.
Emerging among the 100 best innovative projects on the African continent, Star Shea Ltd received recognition for its “Rural Sourcing Management System” project.
The Bright Generation Community Foundation, Man and Man Ltd and the Adidome Ceramics Company were also awarded for their “Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative”, “Improved Stoves for All Project” and the “Safe, Economic Recycling of Used Fuller’s Earth Project” respectively.
Mr. Maxwell Kuunyem, who received the award on behalf of Star Shea Ltd., thanked the French government for supporting African innovations and also called for adequate follow-ups on the various beneficiaries to ensure that funds given to them are used for its intended purposes.
“This is important because it would guarantee that people actually benefit from our innovations” he added.
By Prince Asare, Diplomatic Call.
