The dinner event is held annually to commemorate the American National Thanksgiving Day, network and raise funds for a charity cause. President of the Chamber, Mr. Joe Mensah during his remarks recounted some activities that took place during the year. He mentioned the hosting of a delegation from the U.S. Senate, the visit by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, and some of the many other events hosted by the Chamber.

“I think we are being recognized as a Chamber to reckon with,” He added whiles thanking Members and all dignitaries present for the support they have rendered the Chamber over the years.

Chargé D’affaires at the U.S. Ghana Embassy, Christopher J. Lamora during his remarks acknowledged the importance of trade and commerce in strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States of America.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Reginal Integration, Hon. Charles Owiredu ‏whiles delivering a speech on behalf of the sector minister acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States.

“The economic relations between our two countries have been robust, characterized by several business ventures and exchanges, mostly within the private sector,” the Deputy Minister said.

He also said that the Government is taking all necessary measures to boost the activities of businesses through the creation of an enabling environment with the introduction of appropriate legal and other incentives regimes, which he said are already producing results.

The Chamber used the ceremony to recognize the contributions of some individuals and Members that have helped the chamber in diverse ways in the year 2018.

The Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan John Kyerematen was adjudged the Most Outstanding Ghanaian Government Official, for the exemplary support and contribution to the development and promotion of Trade and Investment between Ghana and the United States of America. Jayne Howell, Consular Section Chief, was adjudged the Most Outstanding U.S. Government Official for introducing reforms to facilitate and promote business between the Republic of Ghana and the United States of America.

This year’s Best Member Awards went to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Kosmos Energy Ghana HC, Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited (CONSHIP), Enterprise Group Limited, and Rendeavour (Appolonia Devt. Company Limited).  Kimathi and Partners were also presented with an award of appreciation for being the headline sponsor of the AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner Event for the second consecutive year.

The Assistant Editor of the Graphic Business, Mr. Charles Benoni Okine, was also recognized for his continuous support in championing the course of AmCham Ghana to the benefit of Ghanaian and Unites States’ businesses in the country in the year under review.

Hon. Alan Kyerematen in his acceptance remarks assured Ghanaians and the investor community of the intentions of the government to use this year’s budget statement to strongly revive activities within the economy. He said after using the first two budgets since 2017 to stabilize the economy and place it on the right footing, it was time for a takeoff, adding that “this will happen this year for all to see.”

For a charity cause, the Chamber offered financial support to two charity foundations, an amount of GH¢50,000 was donated to United Way Ghana, a foundation that is providing literacy for young people in inner cities of the country.

Additional GH¢10,000 was also donated to the St. Bakhita Foundations, an orphanage which takes care of vulnerable children, especially females, and provide them with the basic needs to be enrolled in school.

The 2018 AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner Event was sponsored by Kimathi and Partner (Headline Sponsors), with support from Delta Air Lines, who provided a Business Class Ticket for auction and a photo booth provided by TopDog  Africa.

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