Ashesi University Lecturer receives World Bank Award

An Ashesi University lecturer, Kofi Bentil, has been awarded 100 million cedis by the World Bank in a recent SME Business competition held by the Ghana Development Marketplace. The program was sponsored by the World Bank and top Ghanaian and multilateral organizations to support the development of small to medium size enterprises (SME).

1005 proposals were received nationwide for the competition. After screening by consultants, 100 were selected and trained to write and present business plans based on their proposals. After the presentation of business plans, 50 were selected for the finals. 21 winners were selected to get prizes. Mr. Bentil?s project was to set up training centres to help people qualify to work in a data processing company in Cape Coast. He is to set up five educational centers in the Cape Coast, Takoradi area. The function was attended by many dignitaries including ministers of state, industrialists and distinguished citizens.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Ishmael Yamson, former chief executive of Unilever said: ?We will not go anywhere without encouraging SME development.? He also pledged to lead the crusade to support SMEs. Ashesi?s President Patrick Awuah said : ? The World Bank in partnership with institutions like Ashesi University, (working together) to support top business talents in Ghana, can help accelerate economic development. Mr. Bentil stated that as a lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Business strategy, he was honoured to be recognized by the World Bank. He said the World Bank?s support confirmed ?this is a great investment opportunity which will not only provide returns for investors but have a measurable impact on the economy especially in the Cape Coast in the years to come.? Ashesi staff member Fafa Zomelo was also one of the fifty finalists.