<![CDATA[The Launch of the Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards 2012 was a night of humour, humility and Ghanaian pride. The 3rd Annual Launch of GUBA Awards 2012 was hosted by Mr Henry Bonsu, as guests were treated to a preview of what to expect at the Annual GUBA Awards scheduled for the 10th of November 2012 at the Park Plaza hotel.
A host of media personnel and public figures which includes GUBA patrons Hugh Quarshie and Team GB sprinter Jeanette Kwakye were in attendance to witness the unveiling of the 2012 nominees. Also at the launch were prestigious dignitaries, from his Excellency Prof Kweku Danso Boafo the Ghana High Commissioner to the UK, through plus size model Philomena Kwao to the brainiest student achiever Gillian Appau, an Oxford Student whose minimum grade ever is an A!
Opening the evening, GUBA’s CEO and founder Dentaa in her speech, congratulated all the nominees and stated that ‘All nominees are winners’. She also emphasized the need for sponsorship and support to keep the organization alive.
Prof Kweku Danso Boafo’s love and dedication to Ghana and his support for GUBA did not go unnoticed. Mr Charles Thompson MBE read a citation followed by a video cited by Lord Paul Boateng before GUBA presented his Excellency with a special award, as an acknowledgement for his outstanding contribution to Ghana and his support for GUBA since its commencement.
Upon receiving his award the High Commissioner said; ‘I wish to congratulate the founder of GUBA and her team, Dentaa and we admire the efforts you’ve made. ‘
The GUBA Children’s Foundation addressed the issue of autism and its prevalence in Ghana and raised awareness of the lack of funding and recognition of autism. Plans of an Autism Trust were made public and an appeal was made to the guests for assistance in a bid to reduce the level of stigma surrounding disabilities in Ghana.
A moment of silence was observed for the late President Prof Atta Mills, a gesture which transcended to the late Ghanaian leaders and Presidents that have been present at the Ghana High Commission prior to the launch.
Nominations were read out by Mr George Ameyaw, PR for GUBA, in preparation for voting which starts on Monday 24th September 2012 on the GUBA website, www.gubaawards.co.uk.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Max Barwuah from Africa Channel, CEO Dentaa, Patron Hugh Quarshie and GUBA’s George Ameyaw[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] His Excellency Prof Kwaku Danso Boafo, Ghana High Comissioner to the UK and Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] GUBA 2011 Best Entrepreneur – Andy Ansah[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Founder and CEO of GUBA, Dentaa[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] GUBA Ambassador Jeanette Kwakye on her Speech[/caption]
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Desmond Bloom and GUBA CEO Dentaa[/caption]
The night was brought to an end with a speech by GUBA ambassador, Holby City actor Mr Hugh Quarshie, surrounding the question of what it means to be Ghanaian. ‘A sense of humour and humanity brings us together as a people and that is why I love Ghana’ remarked the star. He stated that ‘it is what Ghanaians do that brings us together and not where we are from’, a sentiment which was shared by all those present and the very embodiment of the GUBA awards. He expressed gratitude for being invited to be part of such an inspirational event.
The Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards held an exceptional launch, one that has raised expectations for the upcoming award ceremony.This event was fully supported by our partners; The Africa Channel, Signup International in Ghana and The Voice Newspaper.
GUBA 2012 event tickets are now available at www.gubaawards.co.uk/ticketsGUBA 2012 NOMINEES LISTCategories have been divided into sections that represent the Ghanaian Flag (RED, GOLD, GREEN and the BLACK STAR)RED- BUSINESS & ENTERPRISEGhana High Commission Award for Best Corporate Business
Armajaro Trading
Diageo Africa
Kraft Foods
Olam International
Best Professional
Dr Charles Easmon (Medical Director, Harley Street)
Douglas Oppong (Angel Finance Group UK)
Dr Felix Konotey-Aluhu (Professor of Human Genetics)
John Blavo (Blavo & Co)
Efie Ni Fie (Home is Home)
Gloria Buckman Yankson (Plan It Ghana)
Godwin Edem Adorie (Praise Exports)
Lawrence Clifford Poku Amankwah (Branch Health and Fitness Centre)
Mary Hubert (Mary’s Virgin Coconut Oil “MVCO”)
GOLD- POPULAR CULTUREBest African Fusion Designer
Anita Quansah London – Anita Quansah
Ashanti Lou- Louisa Osei
House of Adjeiwaa- Abena Adjeiwaa
Bubushiki- Emily Osei-Blavo
Best Creative Writer
Dorothy Koomson
John Akomfrah
Martin Ofori-Atta
Shirley Baah Mensah
Best Online Media
Ameyaw Debrah
Daily Guide
Ghana Celebrities
Ghanaweb
Modern Ghana
My Joy online
Peace FM Online
Best New Music Act
Brie Boateng
Daniel ‘Pacs’ Osei
Fuse Dog ODG
Infecta
K’adu
Kofi Stacks
Mista Silver
Stardo Karle
Sheyi Martins
Vibe Squad
GREEN- COMMUNITYBest Ghanaian Event
All White Party- VMS and Ghanaian Divas
Anansekrom- Noble Friends
FashionMist
Ghana Party in the Park- Akwaaba Promotions
Ghana’s Official 55th Independence Celebration Dance- Alordia Promotions, West Coast Promotions
Miss Ghana UK- Akwaaba Promotions
Ghana UK Fashion Show – Ghanaian Divas & Ghana Fashion House
Best Charity Organisation
ADAP (African Development Association for Progress)
AfriKids
Health Care for Africa
STaSS (Shika Tamaa Support Services)
WAM (What About Me) Campaign
Rising Stars Award
Portia Oti
Philomena Kwao
Nicholas ‘Supernova Dex’ Amfo
Llyrio Boateng
GUBA Humanitarian
James Annan (Challenging Height)
Nana Oye Lithur (The Human Rights Advocacy Centre)
Patrick Young (Theatre for a Change)
Michael Baabu (safe child Ghana)
GUBA Community Champion
Adwoa Agyemang
Alison Naftalin
Amma Anna Adjei
Lorraine Wright
BLACK- RECOGNITION AWARDSBest Student Achiever
Gillian Appau
International Recognition Award
Patrick Quarcoo (Kenya based media mogul)
Inspirational African Award
Dr Mike Adebuga (Globacom)
Special Achievement Award
Sam Jonah (Executive Chairman, Jonah Capital)
Special Achievement Award
Sam Ankrah (Investment Broker)
Special Achievement Award
Roland Agambire (Entrepreneur and owner of RLG)
Special Achievement Award
Dennis Tawiah (Event Promotion Pioneer, CEO of Akwaaba Promotions)
Sporting Achievement
John Mensah
Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award
(Shaun Campbell on behalf of) Arthur Wharton- First professional black football player and the world 100 yard record holder.