Harley Davidson Dealership Opens in Ghana

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson was joined by Ghana’s Deputy Trade Minister, Carlos Ahenkorah to open the official Harley Davidson dealership in Ghana. The dealership is the first of its kind in West African and third to South Africa and Morocco.

In Ambassador Jackson’s words, “The presence of this iconic American brand, speaks to the opportunities that are prevailing themselves here in Ghana. ” He also said it shows that Ghana again is leading the way in opening up business opportunity across the region and continent at large.

Harley Davidson was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. The company has survived numerous ownership arrangements, subsidiary, periods of poor economic health and product quality, as well as intense global competition, to become one of the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturers and an iconic brand widely known for its loyal following.

Moto Co Ltd are the owners of the H-D franchise in Ghana and their 780 square metre facility located in Roman Ridge, Accra, will offer a full range of new model bikes and test rides. To complete the Harley® experience, an authentic Harley-Davidson® store has been added for all your official clothing and accessories.

The dealership also offers an on-site servicing garage with fully trained mechanics and a complete inventory of spare parts and accessories that can be used to service and customize the bikes.

“From the time you sit on these bikes, you will feel the power,” Ambassador Robert P. Jackson assured.

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Trade and Investment Meeting with Members of National Black MBA Association, Inc.

Members of the National Black MBA Association had a trade and investment meeting with members of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana to gain insight into the investment climate in Ghana and the viable sectors to invest in. The meeting which was held at the AH Hotel in Accra was attended by the president of AmCham Ghana and business executives from AmCham member companies.

The National Black MBA Association which is the Largest Network of Black Professionals was conceived in 1970 to help Blacks coming into the corporate sector, largely for the first time, share experiences and insights to help make the journey easier. NBMBAA® has a deep and rich history of enriching the lives of Black youth and professionals that they continue to celebrate today.

The visiting NBMBAA members were briefed on the various laws and regulation guarding investment and trade in Ghana, tax laws and procedures of registering and operating businesses in the country. They were also given an insight into the viable sectors to invest in.

In his remarks, Mr. Joe Mensah, president of AmCham Ghana said the agricultural sector is one of the most viable sectors in the country and it makes good economic sense to invest in that sector. He reiterated some works that his company, Kosmos Energy has done in the sector and said “you will smile to see your return triple within a short period.”

They were also advised to stick to the rules and avoid taking short cuts and paying bribes to have processes expedited, as doing so could result to losing their investments or businesses entirely in some cases.

The NBMBAA members are in the country to familiarize with the way things are done in  order to help and do business as well. They are in the country under the auspices of the former Accra Mayor and Member of Parliament, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije.

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AmCham Luncheon with the IGP on Security and Ease of Doing Business

“Our country has been blessed and often time when people talk about investing in the country, they talk about the peaceful nature of the people. That could never have happen if we didn’t have a force that really ensure that we are safe and the environment is safe for people to invest.” Mr Joe Mensah, president of AmCham Ghana said this in his remarks at a luncheon meeting organized by the chamber to discuss “Security and Ease of Doing Business” with the IGP.

The meeting was to engage with the Ghana Police Service, gain an insight into their operations and the ‘Transformation Agenda’ being driven by the current IGP, David Asante-Appeatu. Security is essential to having and maintaining a vibrant investment environment which will attract investors and drive economic growth, and the IGP couldn’t agree more.

He said in his remarks that, “There is no doubt an effective, efficient and a very accountable police service in this country will serve as a deterrent to criminals.” The IGP went on to say “It is also going to boost investor confidence that will result in economic growth.”

The Ghana Police is currently undertaking a transformation agenda to retrain, re-tool and make the police force a 21st century force. This Mr. Appeatu said is necessary because, crime is getting more sophisticated and the police need to transform in order to combat crime effectively.

The police he said can’t do this alone. He called for more hands on deck and urged the business community to play some role in whichever way they can to compliment the police. Mr. Joe Mensah also shared same sentiments.

In his opinion, Mr. Mensah said “The transformational agenda that they are talking about is something that is important to every business in the country. Ghana prides itself for being a peaceful place but if we don’t work closely with the police to continue to focus on that and continue to improve it, at some point, people will catch up with us and then we can’t brag about that anymore.”

Mr. Appeatu also shared some steps already taken by the Ghana Police Service in their quest to transform. He said some research has been conducted and results showed that if the middle class or inspectorate level is well equipped to coach and supervise the other ranks, it will go a long way to reduce misconduct in the police service.

The IGP assured that the transformation agenda is geared towards making the police force more efficient, effective and accountably. This process he said is a continuous one. “The transformation agenda does not end. It will continue as the demographics change, but I can assure that it will be a world class one.”

According to Mr. Joe Mensah, individual companies can make it a pledge to adopt a police station in the country and help them fight crime by supporting with funds. “We have a lot of American companies in Ghana who have been partnering the police and helping them. What we are saying is that, it can be expanded to reach all police stations that need support,” he stressed.

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