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ABB hosts successful pitch event for the second cohort of the anchor incubator project
The Africa Business Bureau (ABB) has successfully held its Second Cohort Pitch Day event for the ABB Anchor Project at its Tema Branch, bringing together six innovative startups, three industry-expert judges, and an engaged audience for a day of high-impact entrepreneurial presentations.
The event provided a strategic platform for emerging businesses to pitch their ideas, attract potential investors, and secure the support needed to propel their ventures forward. Startups showcased diverse solutions ranging from fashion and beauty to technology, food processing, and e-commerce.
The biggest win of the day went to Edible Treats, a food-processing company specializing in locally-made chocolate bars.
Chief Executive Officer of Edible Treats, Yvonne Nuoriyee secured the first-place prize, which included a cash prize of GH₵10,000 plus an additional business support service valued at GH₵20,000, bringing her total award package value to a staggering GH₵30,000.
The total cash seed fund budgeted to support all participants in the cohort was GH₵50,000.00.
The podium was rounded out by equally impressive startups.
Taking second place was Mchan Cosmetics, led by Hannah Appiah, who presented an innovative line of potash, body creams, and bathing soaps all derived from cocoa pods, earning GH₵5,000 cash plus GH₵20,000 in support benefits.
In third place, Gold Coast Tokota, represented by Samuel Kumi-Gyau, impressed the judges with unique footwear designs that successfully married traditional Ghanaian fabrics with corporate and modern fashion, receiving GH₵3,000 cash and GH₵20,000 in benefits.
The remaining cohort members-Wear Fancy, the tie-dye producer focused on recycling; Stella Dominics Fashion Limited, the clothing brand for all occasions; and MYBESTIE Gh, the E-commerce app consolidating local vendors-also walked away with essential support benefits valued at GH₵20,000 each, ensuring every business had a valuable platform for growth.
In an advice to the entrepreneurs, Mr. Kwadwo Amoako-Attah, Executive Director of Africa Business Bureau, underscored the value of the experience.
He urged the entrepreneurs to meticulously review and apply the judges’ critiques to their business models and pitches, emphasizing that utilizing the feedback effectively is the crucial next step for scaling up operations and meeting the rigorous standards of future external investors.
General Manager for Africa Business Bureau (ABB), Mrs. Natasha Sena Akorli Abraham echoed this sentiment, applauding the participants for their progress and encouraging them to be ready for the next phase of pitching to the wider investment community.
The resounding success of the Pitch Day cemented ABB’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering Ghana’s next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has pledged to work closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address challenges affecting the delivery of justice in Ghana.
He made this known after receiving the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who paid a courtesy call on him earlier today.
The Chief Justice was accompanied by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Gabriel Pwamang, the Acting Director of the Ghana School of Law, Professor Raymond Atuguba, and the Judicial Secretary.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, was also present at the meeting.
Dr. Forson said the Chief Justice explained that the visit was to express appreciation for the continuous support the Ministry of Finance has given to the Judiciary.
According to him, the Chief Justice raised concerns about congestion in the courts, describing it as a major challenge that affects the speedy delivery of justice.
He said several solutions are currently being considered to help reduce the pressure on the courts.
“The Chief Justice also highlighted issues regarding the working conditions of staff within the Judiciary,” Dr. Forson stated.
He assured them of his commitment to helping resolve these problems through collaboration with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice.
“I am committed to working closely with the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to tackle these challenges,” he said.
As part of the measures being considered, Dr. Forson revealed that his ministry is examining the possibility of allowing the Judiciary to use 100 percent of its Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to meet urgent operational needs.
He said this move, if approved, would help improve the efficiency of the courts and enhance justice delivery across the country.
The meeting forms part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Executive and the Judiciary in addressing systemic challenges within Ghana’s justice system.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana has begun talks with the family of Guinea’s first President, Sékou Touré, to take possession of the house where Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah lived and worked during his final years in exile.
The Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the move follows instructions from President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the Mahama administration plans to renovate and preserve the residence in Guinea as a mark of respect for Nkrumah and to protect his legacy.
He explained that the site is expected to become part of a broader historical and tourism experience that traces Nkrumah’s life from Ghana to Guinea.
The decision was formally communicated to the Sékou Touré family on Saturday during a visit led by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
The visit took place after the investiture of Guinea’s President Mamady Doumbouya.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the Ghanaian delegation toured Nkrumah’s abandoned home and was warmly received by three generations of the Sékou Touré family, led by the former president’s eldest son.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently negotiating the terms and conditions of the arrangement and engaging preservation experts to handle the restoration works.
The minister assured the public that the process will be handled openly, stressing that Ghanaians will be kept informed at every stage in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was Ghana’s first President and a leading figure in Africa’s independence and Pan African movements.
His years in Guinea symbolised the strong political and ideological ties between the two countries.
By: Jacob Aggrey
