The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on June 10, 2019, hosted students and faculty from the Jackson State University (JSU), Mississippi, as part of their short-term- faculty-led international experience that includes organized cultural, research, and experiential learning activity. At the meeting, the students interacted with the President and some members of AmCham as well as senior officials from the United States Embassy in Ghana on the socio-cultural and business environment in Ghana.
According to the students, their trip to various parts of the country gave them practical experience and a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Ghana – especially the transatlantic slave trade- as well as the Ghanaian business environment. They also expressed the desire to learn about the public health sector and the Ghanaian educational system.
Addressing the students, Mr. Joe Mensah, President of AmCham, stressed the importance of exchange programs that foster knowledge sharing between businesses and the academic community. He further stated that, AmCham Ghana is the most dynamic chamber in sub-Saharan Africa and that the Chamber supports all American companies and Americans in the country to ensure their success. He also noted that Ghana’s agriculture sector contribution to GDP declined over the years due to factors such as aging population and lack of interest from the youth among others. He was however optimistic of the progress currently being made in the sector and highlighted some investments American companies have made to revive the agriculture sector in the country. He then stressed the need for American companies to take advantage of the common language and the similarity of laws between Ghana and America to invest in the country and the African continent at large.
Members of the chamber, drawing from their years of experience in Ghana and other African countries, also educated the students on the services of AmCham, the business environment in Ghana, possible funding sources for American students, as well as the challenges in African national leadership.
In addition, Hannah Kamenepsky, Senior Commercial Officer of the U.S Embassy in Ghana, briefed the students on Ghana’s strong trade partnership with the U.S, its growing economy, and its attractive business environment.
Finally, Mr. Joe Mensah, in closing the meeting, thanked the students and also expressed his gratitude to the U.S Embassy for their support to AMCHAM over years.
