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An honorary doctorate degree in leadership has been conferred on the Executive Chairman of Papaye Fast Foods, Mr Samir Kalmoni, at a ceremony in Accra.

The Global Centre for Transformational Leadership (GCTL), a non-governmental organisation, which conferred the award on him, said it was in recognition of Mr Kalmoni’s outstanding performance in leadership and meeting the needs of the public, as well as being a pacesetter in the hospitality industry.

Papaye, one of Ghana's fast-growing fast food joints, was first established at Osu in Accra in 1991 and has become a household name in the country, with thousands of customers, including tourists.

A citation accompanying the award noted that Mr Kalmoni had, over many years, exhibited exceptional and sterling leadership qualities, professional excellence and exemplary service to mankind.

It described him as a personality who had positively impacted Ghanaian society and contributed immensely to the growth, progress and total development of the country.

Presenting the award, the Chairman of GCTL, the Most Rev Dr Godwin P. Davids, indicated that the award was given to Mr Kalmoni in recognition of his hard work and dedication towards transforming lives.

In response, Mr Kalmoni thanked GCTL for the honour done him and gave an assurance that he would continue with his good work.

“I will continue to work tirelessly to produce good food to feed millions across the country and beyond,” he added.

His restaurant, he said, had been able to support Ghanaian workers with quality food, saying, “It has also given employment to more than 500 Ghanaians.”

Mr Kalmoni commended the authorities of GCTL for instituting an awards scheme to motivate hardworking entrepreneurs to strive for professional excellence and service.

He noted that apart from operating as a restaurant, Papaye had also assisted a number of needy institutions in the country and sponsored some educational institutions.

“Papaye will continue to carry out development projects such as the construction of clinics, the drilling of boreholes for the Konkonuru community and the maintenance of the only feeder road linking Konkonuru to the Aburi-Accra highway and the development of a layout plan for the town,” he said.

Papaye has also instituted an awards scheme dubbed 'Our Day Special' to reward the best three pupils in each class in 25 selected schools with books and trophies, as well as scholarships for brilliant, needy students up to senior high school.

By Jennifer Ansah/Ghana