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Verna Natural Mineral Water has been adjudged the overall winner of the Ghana Beverage Awards (GBA) 2023 as the product of the year.
About twenty other categories of products received awards, including Vitamilk Energy, Koa Natural Cocoa Fruit Juice, Reign Baobab and Hibiscus, Adonko Bitters, Voltic Natural Mineral Water, Bel Cola, Jonnie Walker, Orijin RTD, Bailey Irish Cream, Heineken, Reign Rum, and Smirnoff, among others.
Senator Benedict Murray-Bruce, chairman of Silverbird Group and the guest of honour for the occasion, commended the Global Media Alliance (GBA) for organising the programme to showcase and promote Ghanaian businesses.
He urged Ghanaians to prioritise patronising products from indigenous companies to boost the economy and create job opportunities.
Senator Murray-Bruce also stressed the need for the government to strengthen the borders by paying attention to the products being brought into the country to protect local industries.
“The cedi cannot be stable against the foreign currencies, the euro, dollar, and pound, if you have an open-door policy that allows any product into the country. You must protect your borders and the Cedi,” he stated.
He also encouraged Ghanaians to opt for locally produced products over foreign ones, stating that this would help create jobs and stimulate economic development.
“Ghana is a great brand. You must use what you have to develop your economy. When foreigners come here, let them eat your local food and drink your beverages first; if not, let them drink African beverages before theirs. This would help promote tourism, support the beverage industry, and enhance the growth of the economy.”
Mark Okraku-Mantey, deputy minister, tourism, art, and culture, who also spoke at the event, lauded the GBA for sustaining the programme since its inception.
He added that the beverage industry cannot be underrated for its contribution to job creation and revenue generation.
The chief executive officer of Global Media Alliance, Ernest Boateng, said in a welcoming address that the beverage industry played a critical role in the socio-economic growth of the country and contributed significantly to revenue generation through the creation of jobs.
“This gives us great pleasure to offer a platform such as the Ghana Beverage Awards that encourages communication and networking among Ghana beverage industry enthusiasts while giving major players and stakeholders the chance to exchange ideas for the growth of the industry,” he said.
He also noted that the industry’s community-based recycling and waste management initiatives have led to meaningful waste management.
He applauded the industry players for their efforts and encouraged them to continue building a more sustainable future.
“The Ghana Beverage Awards provide a platform for communication and networking among Ghana’s beverage industry enthusiasts, giving major players and stakeholders the chance to exchange ideas for the growth of the industry. The awards celebrate the achievements of the beverage industry and encourage a shared commitment to building a more sustainable future,” he added.
Reporting by Seeta Semenu in Accra
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