President Akufo-Addo presenting the prize money to Naamgwinaa Samuel
The fifth season of the Presidential Pitch, a flagship initiative of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has officially been launched, marking another milestone in Ghana’s entrepreneurship revolution.
The event, held at the Movenpick Hotel on August 23, 2024, brought together stakeholders from various sectors to support the growth of innovative start-ups.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of NEIP, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah explained that ”The Presidential Pitch has become a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship in Ghana, with a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality.”
“Since its inception in 2017, the programme has supported over 250,000 beneficiaries with business development support, provided starter packs to 35,000 businesses, and facilitated funding for 15,000 entrepreneurs, resulting in the creation of approximately 100,000 jobs,” Mr. Ofosu Nkansah disclosed.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a strong advocate for youth entrepreneurship, graced the occasion, reiterating his government’s commitment to creating a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurship to thrive.
“I am proud to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in Ghana, and I am confident that they will drive the country’s economic growth and development,” he stated.
In a remarkable display of support, the President personally donated GH¢50,000 to Naamgwinaa Samuel, the winner of the Presidential Pitch – Season 5, in addition to the initial cash prize of GH¢250,000.
The programme’s impact since its inception in 2017 is impressive, with a focus on innovation, feasibility, scalability, employability, and sustainability.
The finalists, selected through a competitive process, showcased their business ideas across various sectors, including fintech, manufacturing, and agribusiness.
As the finalists prepare to pitch their ideas, NEIP assured them of its support, emphasising the importance of creating legacies of achievement in their businesses.
In a heartfelt tribute, President Akufo-Addo renamed the overall prize for the Presidential Pitch in honour of the late Dr. John Kumah, the founding CEO of the programme.
The newly renamed Dr. John A. Kumah Prize for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was awarded to Naamgwinaa Samuel, who impressed the judges with his innovative Smart Switches.
By Daniel Bampoe