Nkonkonsa Celebrity Gossip From Africa
The year’s GUBA celebrated their annual awards show – identifying the very best of Ghanaian talent across the board.
The ceremony recognised and acknowledged the pioneers and forerunners of the Ghanaian community, including leaders and organisations at the top of their game such as world-renowned rapper Stormzy (Michael Omari), social media sensation Michael Dapaah, Kwami Sefa Kayi Eric Andoh of STARBITES, Nelplast Ghana Limited and Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong to name a few.
Saturday’s award ceremony highlighted the breadth of talent and wide range of gifted Ghanaians globally.
With several dignitaries in attendance such as Former President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings and co-hosted by Boris Kodjoe and Anita Erskine. The evening was an outstanding success and truly emphasised the significance of Ghanaians not only in the UK and Ghana, but also across the world, whilst also displaying the unique brilliance of all the nominees and winners.
Stormzy (Michael Omari) commented at the Awards ceremony on how being recognised by the Ghanaian community meant to him: ‘It’s close to home and it’s close to the heart. When you progress in music and any other industry, as you build accolades and achievements – you get so many. But ones like these, it’s closer to home, it’s Ghana, it’s my people, it’s my blood, it’s my DNA, it’s my culture, it’s me.’
Former President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings commented: ‘The GUBA awards have been one of the few initiatives I have been following keenly. Any initiative that seeks to bring together and recognise the diverse cultural and economic potential of Ghanaians is one that should be embraced wholeheartedly by the Ghanaian community both home and abroad; and I am delighted that the Government of Ghana has over the past few years embraced this project and offered the needed moral support.’
Dentaa Amoateng MBE, founder and CEO of GUBA Enterprise commented: “We are delighted to be celebrating talented and exceptional Ghanaians as winners of the 2018 GUBA Awards. From creative entrepreneurs to outstanding leaders, GUBA continues to uncover numerous role models who are breaking down barriers and changing the game for Ghanaians not only in the UK and Ghana, but worldwide.”
GUBA Awards is a non-profit organisation, which donates proceeds towards charitable schemes operating within the British Ghanaian community and provides an engaging platform for promoting greater cultural diversity in the UK as well as raising the profile of Ghana.
GUBA Awards promotes closer economic, cultural and social links between Ghana and the United Kingdom. Launched in 2010 as the GUBA Awards, the annual event celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of Ghanaian and African based businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom and Ghana. This is an opportunity for these businesses to come together for one night in order to reflect on their achievements and receive a recognition and reward.
See photos from the event:
The winners of this year’s Awards are as follows:
GUBA Association of the year – Ghana Doctors and Dentists UK (GDDA-UK)
GUBA Celebrity Humanitarian – Kwami Sefa Kayi
GUBA Efie Ne Fie – Eric Andoh (STARBITES)
GUBA Innovation and Technology – Nelplast Ghana Limited
GUBA Leisure and Tourism – The Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort
GUBA Professional of the Year – Charlotte Boaitey
GUBA Rising Diasporan – Bernard Adjei
The winners of this year’s Black Star Awards are as follows:
Lifetime Achievement Award – Ashitey Hammond
Rising Sports Star – Joshua Buatsi
Rising Star Award – Michael Dapaah
Music Excellence Award – Stormzy (Michael Omari)
Special Achievement Award – Vandyke Appiah Kubi
Television and Film Pioneer Award – Ernest Abbeyquaye
Outstanding Leadership Award – Dr Cecilia Anim
Outstanding Achievement Award – Attorney General Gloria Afua Akuffo and former Attorney General Marietta Brew Appiah-Opong
Outstanding Student Achiever Award – Samuel Afari
GUBA Awards promotes closer economic, cultural and social links between Ghana and the United Kingdom. Launched in 2010 as the GUBA Awards, the annual event celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of Ghanaian and frican based businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. Following the success of the annual awards programme, GUBA expanded into the GUBA Foundation, GUBA Expo and GUBA Careers to provide distinct services targeted at individuals and businesses.
Dentaa Amoateng MBE, founder of the GUBA Awards is available for interviews and comment. Please email laurena@blj.co.uk for further information and arrangements.
