Thanksgiving, Partnership, and Purpose: Reflections from AmCham Ghana’s 36th Annual Celebration

Thanksgiving stands as one of America’s oldest and most meaningful traditions, rooted in a story of resilience, generosity, and shared abundance. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 brought together early settlers and the Wampanoag people to celebrate a successful harvest after years of hardship. Over centuries, this simple gathering evolved into a national holiday symbolizing gratitude, community, and the belief that even in challenging seasons, there is always something to give thanks for.

For Americans, Thanksgiving is not merely a holiday; it is a philosophy. It calls communities to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the people, partnerships, and opportunities that make progress possible. It is this same spirit that guides AmCham Ghana’s cherished annual Thanksgiving Dinner, now in its 36th year.

This year’s celebration, our most attended to date, with over 380 members, partners, and leaders, brought that spirit to life. The presence of Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’Affaires and U.S. Embassy leadership, added profound significance to the evening.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the U.S.–Ghana partnership, based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing macroeconomic recovery, citing positive indicators such as 8% inflation and 6.3% economic growth in Q2 2025. He encouraged U.S. businesses to explore emerging opportunities in technology, energy, manufacturing, and digital transformation as the government continues its efforts toward stability, transparency, and investment-friendly reforms.

The Chargé d’Affaires echoed this message, commending AmCham’s leadership and the Chamber’s role in shaping a dynamic, predictable environment for U.S. companies in Ghana. He reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment while supporting American businesses operating in Ghana.

What We Should Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season offers an important moment for reflection, both as Ghanaians and as members of the U.S. business community.

As Ghanaians, we are grateful for:

  • A resilient economy that continues to stabilize and rebound.
  • A strong democratic tradition that enables peaceful transitions and continuity in governance.
  • A vibrant private sector that continues to invest, innovate, and create jobs.
  • Trusted bilateral partnerships, especially with the United States, that support technology transfer, capacity building, and long-term development.

As the U.S. business community in Ghana, we are grateful for:

  • A welcoming investment environment, strengthened by reforms and renewed policy dialogue.
  • Growing commercial opportunities in digital innovation, energy transition, logistics, health, and manufacturing.
  • A dependable local workforce whose skills and resilience fuel the success of U.S. companies operating in Ghana.
  • A strong partnership with the government and the U.S. Mission, which continues to champion transparency, predictability, and collaboration.
  • The AmCham ecosystem, which remains a trusted bridge, offering advocacy, insights, networks, and platforms to help businesses grow.

A Celebration of Community

This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner also recognized outstanding sponsors, partners, and contributors whose support strengthens the Chamber’s mission. The overwhelming participation and positive feedback reaffirm the power of community and the importance of gratitude in building lasting partnerships.

As AmCham Ghana looks toward 2026, we carry forward a shared message: Thanksgiving reminds us that progress is built together. Whether as Ghanaians or as members of the U.S. business community, we have much to appreciate, and even more to look forward to.

This is the heart of the AmCham Business Bridge: connecting communities, strengthening partnerships, and advancing shared prosperity.

AmCham Ghana Explores USTDA Project Preparation and Partnership Tools for Members

AmCham Ghana recently engaged with Jillian Foerster, Regional Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), to explore how its project preparation tools can support our members and Ghana’s infrastructure plans.

USTDA shared how its feasibility study grants, technical assistance, reverse trade missions, and training grants could help move projects from concept to bankability, while also opening doors for U.S. technology and expertise.

Also discussed opportunities in energy, ICT, transport, aviation, mining-related infrastructure, agribusiness, and ports and logistics, as well as challenges around customs and project financing.

AmCham will be working with USTDA to brief our members in more detail and build a pipeline of serious, high-impact projects that can benefit from these tools.

AmCham Ghana Strengthens Strategic Collaboration with U.S. Embassy Leadership

AmCham Ghana held a productive high-level courtesy meeting with Rolf Olson, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), and Rachel Kreissl, Commercial Counselor, as part of the Chamber’s renewed commitment to deepen U.S.–Ghana commercial ties and strengthen institutional partnerships.

Led by the Kimathi Kuenyehia AmCham Board President and attended by the CEO Doris K. Afanyedey, the meeting focused on aligning strategic priorities, enhancing collaboration mechanisms, and addressing emerging issues affecting the U.S. business community in Ghana.

Reinforcing Partnership and Shared Priorities

The Board President expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s long-standing accessibility and support to the Chamber and its members. The meeting reaffirmed that both institutions share a strong commitment to advancing U.S. business interests, championing investment, and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

The CDA commended AmCham’s proactive posture and welcomed deeper coordination, particularly around advocacy efforts, investor confidence, and sector disruptions that require joint engagement.

Introducing New Leadership & AmCham’s Strategic Direction

AmCham formally introduced Doris K. Afanyedey as the Chamber’s new CEO, highlighting her mandate to drive institutional renewal under the AmCham 2.0 vision.

The discussion outlined the Chamber’s refreshed strategic direction, which includes:

  • Strengthening policy advocacy
  • Expanding member value through sector dialogues
  • Enhancing visibility for U.S. companies
  • Deepening Embassy – AmCham alignment across priority sectors

The CDA expressed strong support and emphasized the Embassy’s readiness to collaborate more closely with the new leadership team.

AmCham Hosts High-Level CEO Breakfast Summit to Shape 2026 Advocacy Priorities

AmCham Ghana convened the nation’s top business leaders on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, for the annual CEO Breakfast Summit, held at the Chief of Mission Residence and hosted in partnership with the U.S. Embassy. The closed-door, invitation-only gathering brought together over 50 CEOs, Country Managers, and senior executives from leading U.S. and Ghanaian companies to deliberate on the most pressing cross-cutting challenges affecting investment, competitiveness, and business operations in Ghana.

Moderated by Mr. Joe Mensah, AmCham Board Director, the Summit served as a strategic platform for candid dialogue, peer learning, and consensus-building. Opening remarks from the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires and the AmCham Board CEO set a collaborative tone, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening the U.S.–Ghana commercial partnership and developing a clear and actionable advocacy roadmap for 2026.

Outcome: Prioritizing the 2026 Advocacy Agenda

During a live prioritization session, CEOs collectively ranked the most pressing issues that AmCham should champion in 2026. The outcome will form the foundation of the 2026 Member Pain-Point & Advocacy Agenda, with AmCham committing to develop detailed position papers and follow-up strategies with relevant ministries and agencies.

The Chamber also reaffirmed its intention to deepen collaboration with the U.S. Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Sections as strategic partners in addressing systemic barriers to trade and investment.

Next Steps

  • A concise post-summit report will be circulated to all participants.
  • CEO participants will be invited to join upcoming sector committees and the revamped Advocacy Committee to drive sustained engagement and impact.

The Summit forms part of the broader AmCham 2.0 Executive Leadership Series, which seeks to strengthen the Chamber’s role as the leading voice of U.S. business in Ghana while fostering a predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly environment.

 

United Airlines Inspires 258 Students at Girls in Aviation Day Ghana

On October 25, 2025, United Airlines proudly supported the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) Girls in Aviation Day in Ghana, an inspiring initiative designed to introduce young girls to the diverse opportunities within the aviation industry. A total of 258 students from Tema Senior High School, Methodist Day Senior High School, Peki Senior High School, African Science Academy, and Accra High School participated in a day of exploration, mentorship, and hands-on learning. Activities included tours of the UA Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, the Air Traffic Control Tower, the GCAA Simulation Centre, and both airport terminals, paired with storytelling sessions and career insights from aviation professionals.

Many of the girls shared that the experience encouraged them to dream bigger, reconsider their future career paths, and gain confidence in pursuing roles in aviation. For some, it was their first time on an aircraft—an unforgettable moment that opened their eyes to new possibilities. In line with United’s belief that “Good Leads the Way,” the initiative reflects the airline’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of aviation leaders and building a more inclusive, diverse, and inspired aviation community. (Consent for the use of images was formally granted by GACL.)

 

 

 

 

AmCham Ghana Celebrates Official Opening of Newmont’s Ahafo North Mine

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ghana celebrates the historic official inauguration of Newmont Corporation’s Ahafo North Mine on Thursday, October 30th, a major milestone for the country’s economy and mining sector. Representing AmCham Ghana at the ceremony was Jane Okyere-Aduachie, Manager for Membership, External Relations, and Special Projects. The event featured distinguished guests, including Vice President H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (Asantehene), Newmont CEO Tom Palmer, and Newmont President and COO Natascha Viljoen, hosted by the new Country Manager of Newmont Ghana, Danquah Addo Yobo.

This project, which represents a substantial US$900 million to US$1 billion investment, Newmont’s second active mine in Ghana, sends an unambiguous message to the global investment community that Ghana is a stable, premier destination for large-scale, long-term business. The Ahafo North operation is expected to produce between 275,000 and 325,000 ounces of gold annually over its lifetime.

Beyond the production numbers, the mine has already created massive social value: its development provided approximately 4,500 jobs during construction, and the operational mine now employs roughly 560 people full-time plus an additional 1,000 contractors. CEO Tom Palmer underscored this impact, stating the new operation demonstrates their commitment to “operational excellence while creating enduring value” for all stakeholders, underscoring that for Newmont, this project is fundamentally about creating opportunity and supporting sustainable growth.