Ghanaian popular culture was recognized in a grand way at the first National Youth Achiever’s Awards held under the auspices of the president of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, the patron of the awards.  Rapper Sarkodie, actress Jackie Appiah, and singer Becca were the torch bearers for the sector at the awards ceremony which was held at the Accra International conference Centre on Thursday night. Sarkodie and Becca won in the Achievement in Music category while Jackie Appiah won in the Performing Art category. Film maker, Shirley Frimpong-Manso also won in the Film category. Ace investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and the reigning Ghana Journalist of the Year Manesseh Azure also picked up honours for Media Excellence. President Mahama pledged his commitment to ensure the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.  “I want to advise the youth of this country to resist attempts by any persons to use them to disrupt the December polls. I pledge that these polls would be peaceful, they would be transparent and they would be fair, and may the best party and the best candidate win.” The President also commended the award winners for using their lives to impact on society. Full list of winners: Music – Sarkodie, Becca Fashion – Heal the World (HTW) Business Excellence – Eunice Ogbogu Advocacy –Abena Asomaning Antwi Science – Jerry Harrison, Dr Asamoah Kusi Academic Excellence Tertiary – Jemima Kugblenu, Emmanuel Boavo Twum Academic Excellence Sports – The Black Maidens football team Performing Arts – Jackie Appiah Film – Shirley Frimpong Manso Literary Arts – Michael Kweku Kesse Somuah Media Excellence – Anas Aremeyaw Anas,  Manesseh Azure Young Professionals – Isaac Agyiri Danso, Patricia Mawuli ICT – Derrydean Dadzie Leadership –Stephen Appiah Special Awards – Miss Farida Adwoa Bedwei, Ajara Mohammed Grassroot and Rural development – Kwabena Danso Financial Excellence- Mike Nyinaku Health  – Dr Osei Owusu Visual Arts – Bernard Akoi Jackson, Ignace Hego Entrepreneurship and Development – Solomon Sarkodie Invention and innovation – Gideon Agyare Youth Personality of the Year – Mike Nyinaku, Eunice Ogbogu ]]>