AmCham Ghana Engages President And Board Chair Of U.S. EXIM Bank

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, under the auspices of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, on Monday, October 30, 2023, had an engagement with the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Reta Jo Lewis, for a discussion on financing options and the current state of the business climate.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the official export credit agency of the United States. EXIM is an independent Executive Branch agency with a mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating the export of U.S. goods and services.

Reta Jo Lewis noted that the United States views Ghana as a reliable partner for development and intends to expand engagements to drive growth. She noted that the Bank has had a long relationship with the country and the continent at large, and its continued presence reaffirms EXIM and the United States’ commitment to maintaining relations with Ghana.

The engagement explored ways the Bank can assist companies with resources and technical support to leverage opportunities such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act to drive exports.

Discussions also focussed on exchanging best practices to properly position local firms to be compliant to improve the ease of doing business with the United States.

Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, EXIM assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. The agency’s charter requires that all transactions it authorizes demonstrate a reasonable assurance of repayment; EXIM consistently maintains a low default rate and closely monitors credit and other risks in its portfolio.

EXIM officials present at the meeting also noted that contrary to popular notion, the Bank does not only finance big-ticket projects and companies but serves businesses of sizes, including small and medium-scale entities.

This meeting was attended by AmCham Ghana Board member Kimathi Kuenyehia, Executive Secretary Simon Madjie, Manager for Membership and External Relations, Jane Okyere-Aduachie, representative from the U.S. embassy in Ghana, including DCM Rolf Olson, Commercial Counselor Dean Matlack, Jillian Foerster, Paa Ekow Quansah.

Also present was Nana Osei Bonsu, PEF CEO and Board Member of Ghana EXIM, representatives from AmCham Ghana member companies, and some executives from the U.S. EXIM, including Hazeen Ashby, Acting Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, Christopher Organ, Confidential Assistant, and Dan Tobin, Managing Director.

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra and Breast Care International ‘Walk for the Cure’

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, in partnership with Breast Care International – Ghana (BCI), embarked on a sensitization exercise on breast cancer dubbed ‘Walk for the Cure’. The eleventh edition of BCI Ghana’s annual walk was held under the theme, ‘Breaking Myth, Fighting for the Cure’ at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The health walk saw thousands of advocates and stakeholders, including breast cancer survivors, take to the streets of Central Accra for a five-kilometer walk that began at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and ended at the forecourt of the AMA. The participants educated the citizenry, individual traders, and shoppers alike on the importance of regular screening which enables early detection and prompt action, as well as the impact of breast cancer on individuals and their families.

A grand durbar followed on the grounds of the AMA, where participants were inspired by the stories of some breast cancer survivors and entertained by live music performances and parades. Dr. Beatrice Addai Wiafe, founder and president of BCI Ghana, expressed her gratitude to the management and staff of the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra for their continued support in the fight against breast cancer.

“We are very proud to continue as partners of BCI and are honored to be a part of this wonderful initiative,” said Mr. Hanno Barkhoff, General Manager of the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra. “Through BE Health, our flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, we have launched several campaigns to raise awareness on breast cancer and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to join this noble cause which will go a long way to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by the disease.”

The health walk forms part of a series of initiatives the hotel is undertaking to support BCI through its BE Health initiative. Since March this year, the hotel has committed to sponsoring a number of healthcare professionals as they attain oncology training, as well as supporting the treatments of patients affected by breast cancer. Hotel guests can also make a difference by donating GHS 15 (1 Euro) with every night stay at the hotel or with every purchase of the new ‘BE Health Elixir’ cocktail launched this October.

AmCham Reception In Honor Of Trade Delegation From Memphis

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, hosted the Building Bridges to Africa trade mission from Memphis, Tennessee, USA, for a reception at the Chamber’s secretariat to afford members the opportunity to interact with the visiting delegation.

The Building Bridges to Africa trade mission aims to boost trade and foster economic growth by creating business connections, promoting knowledge exchange, and enhancing cultural understanding.

The delegation consists of business owners and leaders from different sectors, such as Energy (Bulk Fuel Distribution, Energy Innovation, Process Improvement, Fuel Supply Chain Management), Legal (Contracts and Litigation, Entertainment Law Representation, Criminal Defense), Logistics and Transportation (Freight Transport, Freight Management, Warehousing, Freight Innovation), and Economic Development (Women-focused Investments, Capitalization, Entrepreneurial Support, Financial Literacy).

The event served as an interactive networking platform and presented an excellent opportunity for Members to meet businesspeople from various sectors, establish new relationships, and explore possible partnerships and collaborations.

The reception was refreshed by Coca-Cola, Voltic, and Tampico.

Jobberman Ghana Celebrates 11 Years of Transforming Careers and Empowering Lives in Ghana

It’s a remarkable milestone for Jobberman Ghana as we celebrate 11 years of unwavering commitment to reshaping the job market and empowering job seekers and employers across Ghana. 

A Journey of Impact 

Over the past 11 years, Jobberman Ghana has left an indelible mark on the job market landscape. We’ve transformed countless lives, provided hope to job seekers, and enabled employers to find the perfect match for their organizations for business growth. 

With our vision to be Africa’s solution to bridging the talent gap, our journey has been marked by the following forces. 

  1. Empowering Job Seekers

We’ve been on a mission to empower job seekers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Through our platform, individuals have found their dream jobs, received expert career advice, and honed their skills for success.  

  1. Supporting Employers

We’ve partnered with organizations big and small to help them identify and onboard top talent. Our innovative solutions have streamlined the hiring process, saving time and resources. 

  1. Innovating for the Future

We’ve never rested on our laurels. We’ve continually adapted to the changing job market, introducing new features and tools to enhance the job-seeking and recruitment experience. We introduced the new ‘Relevance Ranking’ feature that uses an in-built matching score to rank applicants according to their relevance to the job description, so you can see the best-qualified applicants right at the top of the list! 

 

We also added a ‘Recommended Candidates’ feature that suggests ten (10) candidates that match the role published on the Jobberman platform which allows employers to invite qualified individuals to apply. 

This has given employers better access to a pool of qualified candidates and the added value of leveraging our database for highly qualified candidates outside of those who have seen a job ad.  

Giving employers the ability to connect with your ideal candidates right from the get-go! 

  1. Partnership with GIZ

Currently, Jobberman Ghana is collaborating with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the framework of Invest for Jobs to deliver the M-Fit Project. 

To bridge the gender gap in the technology sector, this project is designed to empower and equip young women with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds with essential soft skills, making them employable in the tech space.  

Overall, a total number of 100 females between the ages of 18 and 35 will be trained and 60 of these young ones placed in permanent tech or tech-enabled roles in Ghana by March 2024. 

A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

Diversity and inclusion have been at the core of our values. We believe that talent knows no boundaries, and everyone deserves a chance to shine. Our commitment to these principles has been unwavering, and we’re proud to have played a role in fostering diversity in the workplace. 

What Sets Us Apart? 

  • A Vast Network: Our extensive database of job seekers and employers is unparalleled, offering opportunities that span every industry and sector. Thus, upward to a future of matchmaking. 
  • Innovative Solutions: Our platform has evolved to include features like skills assessments, professional development resources, and personalized job recommendations. 
  • A Passionate Team: Behind every success story is a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of job seekers and employers. 

 

The Future Beckons 

As we celebrate our 11th anniversary, we’re not just looking back at what we’ve achieved but forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We remain committed to our vision of connecting talent with opportunity and creating a brighter future for job seekers and employers in Ghana.  

To our valued employers, partners, and the entire Jobberman Ghana community, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.  

Here’s to the next 11 years of transforming careers and empowering lives! 

Jobberman Ghana & The German Cooperation Partner to Empower Females in Tech

Jobberman Ghana – the country’s leading career development, job placement and recruitment solutions company, is collaborating with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the framework of Invest for Jobs to deliver the M-Fit Project.

To bridge the gender gap in the technology sector, this project is designed to empower and equip young women with Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) backgrounds with essential soft skills, making them employable in the tech space.

According to the CEO of Jobberman Ghana, Hilda Nimo-Tieku, the “M-Fit Project” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at training at least 100 young women between 18 and 35 with a STEM background in employability soft skills and placing them in befitting tech-related roles in Ghana.

In today’s world, the technology sector promises innovation, growth, and endless opportunities. However, women remain significantly underrepresented in this field. Recognising this disparity, Invest for Jobs, an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), implemented by GIZ, among others, has decided to work with Jobberman Ghana to address this gap and create a more inclusive tech landscape.

“My team is currently undertaking field research to identify the primary reasons for the low participation of women in the tech sector and the specific soft skills that females with a STEM background need to excel in the world of work. The outcome of this research will inform us of the training programmes these 100 women will

receive over four weeks. As a recruitment and talent management company, the M-Fit Project aligns perfectly with our mission to connect qualified job seekers with opportunities and transform lives”, Hilda Nimo-Tieku explained.

This project seeks to make a first step to enhancing female employability in STEM by matching 60 women with a STEM-related background in relative tech jobs until the beginning of 2024.

Jobberman Ghana and BMZ, through GIZ, are poised to create a transformative impact on the tech industry that empowers young women and propels them towards a brighter future.

For employers who have available roles for a woman in tech, list your tech role for free here.

Uber And Enterprise Group Collaborate To Provide Comprehensive Insurance Package For Uber Drivers In Ghana

AmCham Ghana Member Companies, Uber, and Enterprise Group have partnered to roll out Safe & Save, a unique bundled insurance package for Uber pro drivers.

The product has been bundled together to offer insurance coverage for the vehicle as well as life, funeral, and medical cover for the driver and family. In addition, the product allows the driver to make monthly or weekly contributions towards savings.

The findings from a 2021 study on Ghana’s insurance industry reveal that despite the country’s favorable environment for insurance and risk financing, about 70% of Ghanaians do not have access to any form of insurance.

“We believe this partnership comes at a crucial time to ensure drivers have extra peace of mind – allowing drivers to continue earning without compromising on their safety, especially as drivers face unique challenges on the road. In addition, our driver engagements have always revealed the desire of our drivers,  to plan and save for the future. This partnership with Enterprise allows us to give our drivers convenient access to the protection and savings they need in one fell swoop.  We are committed to forming further strategic partnerships such as these to show our commitment to the welfare of our drivers. ,” explains Marjorie Saint-Lot, Head of Ghana and Ivory Coast, Uber.

With over 96 years of experience in the insurance industry, Enterprise Insurance is a leading insurance group in Ghana and is independently rated in the AA category by the Global Rating Agency of South Africa.

Mr Daniel Larbi-Tieku, CEO of Enterprise Group stated, “The Safe and Save product is an innovative and pioneering bundled product that redefines the landscape of driver benefits. Enterprise is uniquely positioned to offer such a comprehensive package exclusively tailored for Uber drivers because of the range of products available across our subsidiaries. We are excited to provide drivers with such a holistic package that prioritizes their financial security and future aspirations. Safe and Save stands as a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries, enhancing industry standards and fostering long-term loyalty through unparalleled value.”

Below is an overview of all that is covered under the insurance bundle:

  • Motor Insurance: covers drivers for legal liability to third parties for death and bodily injury, as well as claims for damage to other person’s property.
  • Life insurance & Savings: a lump sum payment in the unfortunate event of death of the driver or a nominated life. In addition to the life insurance cover, there is a component of the premium that serves the purpose of savings and pensions for the driver.
  • Funeral cover: Funeral expense in the unfortunate event that a driver loses his or her life. Legal representatives and a nominated life will benefit from using the services of Transitions Funeral Home or a lump sum payment subject to the terms & conditions of the policy.
  • Health insurance: Medical expenses cover for the driver, spouse & children that spans illnesses and emergency treatments as per the policy’s terms and conditions.

Uber continues to invest heavily in technology and has launched several industry-leading safety features. These include the emergency in-app button where riders have access to armed security in the event of an emergency; Rider Selfies to improve Rider Verification for cash payments, and a dedicated Law Enforcement Relations Team (LERT), which in some instances includes former law enforcement professionals who are on call to work with police 24/7 to assist in an investigation.

“Drivers are the core of our operation and following our engagements with drivers, it made sense to introduce the Safe ‘N Save insurance package. We will continue engaging them and work towards improving their experience on the app as well as that of riders,” concludes Saint-Lot.

Hanno Barkhoff Joins Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra as General Manager

Ghana’s finest five-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Accra is well poised to elevate its high standards of luxury hospitality with the appointment of Hanno Barkhoff as the new General Manager of the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.

With over 20 years of experience within the luxury industry, Hanno Barkhoff is no stranger to the Kempinski family, having started in Event Sales & Food & Beverage in 2002 at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, Germany. After gaining experience at several renowned hospitality brands across the globe, he returned to Germany in 2016, heading two of Kempinski’s flagship European hotels in Berlin and Munich as Hotel Manager over the past seven years.

Now, the German national brings a wealth of knowledge, a strong understanding of luxury hospitality, and experience to the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra in his new role as  General Manager. Particularly, his savvy, hands-on, and dynamic approach will be a great asset for the successful implementation of the ambitious food and beverage concept designed to elevate guests’ dining experience at the hotel.

“I’m thrilled to continue my journey with Kempinski at this beautiful hotel in Accra,” said Hanno Barkhoff on his appointment. “The Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is well positioned as a market leader in the hotel industry in Ghana and I’m confident the dedication, passion, and desire of the team to consistently create memorable experiences for all guests remains unwavering. Together, we will continue to delight guests, surprise them with fresh hotel offerings, and showcase the seamless fusion of Ghana’s famed hospitality and local tradition with Kempinski’s European heritage.”

Google Is Leveraging The Power Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) To Tackle Pressing Issues In Africa

Google, on Thursday, September 7, 2023,  hosted the Research @ Accra event at the company’s AI research lab in Accra to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in Africa and highlight the various advancements achieved in the areas of navigation, language, weather forecast, flood control, and food security on the continent.

Since opening the company’s research center in Accra in 2018, they have collaborated with global research teams to lead multiple sustainability initiatives of interest to Africa.

The event featured presentations and demos of Google’s works in Flood Forecasting, Project Relate, Maternal Health Ultrasound, and Open Buildings. Google said the center in Africa aims to push the boundaries of AI while solving pressing problems affecting millions of people locally and globally.

Africa is the most linguistically diverse continent, and Google believes there are big opportunities to explore the various African languages through AI. The company, through its Waxal system, is creating  Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources using crowdsourced speech and text data of diverse African languages and using it to research novel architectures and deep learning algorithms for multilingual NLP systems (Speech, NMT, Q&A, LM, etc.) that are robust to variations in accents, code-switching, and targeted at low-end mobile devices. They believe Waxal will make NLP systems more inclusive while advancing the state of the art in deep learning for NLP and machine learning under severe memory/computing constraints.

Mapping buildings in remote locations can be challenging, even in the presence of satellite imagery. As a result, planning infrastructure can be difficult when these buildings go unmapped.

To tackle the issue, the team at the Accra research center launched the Open Buildings dataset project, which combines AI with satellite imagery to pinpoint the location of buildings. This helps governments and non-profit organizations to understand the needs of residents and offer assistance.

The company’s executives also encourage regulators and policymakers on the continent not to focus on controlling AI but also to seek a better understanding of the technology to make policies that won’t chamber progress but encourage its development to ensure advancement in healthcare, education, and agriculture.

 

Driving Positive Change: Dutylex’s New Terminal Brings More Than Just Business Growth in Tema

In today’s corporate landscape in Ghana, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained significant traction. This refers to our company’s commitment to contributing positively to society beyond our core business operations. One area where CSR initiatives can have a profound impact is the establishment of our lubricant warehouse terminal in a fairly developed community.

1. Economic Development:

The construction and establishment of our lubricant warehouse terminal has played a vital role in driving economic development in the community. It provided employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, the terminal has become an engine of job creation. Local artisans and residents were employed in the construction of the Terminal and moreover, the Terminal has recruited local indigenes of the community in our operations ie. Logistics and warehouse support officers. This has impacted the community economically.

2. Environmental Sustainability:

Promoting environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect of engaging in CSR activities. Our lubricant warehouse terminal is strongly contributing to this by adopting environmentally friendly practices. For example, implementing effective waste management systems, utilizing energy-efficient technologies, and incorporating strong HSE practices ensures a safe environment for all workers and residents. Additionally, we are investing in advanced emission control systems by ensuring all equipment on site are serviced properly to achieve zero emission goals at our site and customer sites as well. This is in line with our ESG culture Goals as a company.

3. Infrastructure Improvement:

The establishment of our lubricant warehouse terminal brings opportunities for significant infrastructure improvement in our community of operation. We have invested in road and transportation infrastructure which was totally blocked because of huge vegetation growth. We have created the access routes to enhance the connectivity between the terminal and nearby areas. This is facilitating the smooth movement of vehicles and goods in the community.

4. Community Engagement:

One of the primary objectives of our CSR initiative is to promote community engagement. In the case of our lubricant warehouse terminal, community engagement shall be achieved through various means. The terminal will collaborate with local educational institutions, providing internships to students. Engaging in philanthropic activities such as supporting local charities, sponsoring community events, or organizing environmental awareness campaigns to further foster a sense of community bond between Dutylex Company Limited and its surroundings.

In conclusion, the positive CSR impact of our lubricant warehouse terminal in our community is multi-faceted. It goes beyond the terminal’s core business operations and focuses on economic development, environmental sustainability, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement. By creating employment opportunities, adopting environmentally friendly practices, contributing to infrastructure development, and engaging with the community, the terminal becomes a catalyst for positive change. Embracing such CSR initiatives not only benefits the community but also showcases the terminal’s commitment to responsible business practices. Through these efforts, Dutylex Company Limited can play a significant role in the overall development and well-being of our community.

Prof. E.F.B Forster Public Lecture Series On Mental Health

On the 30th August 2023, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, in collaboration with the Mental Health Authority (MHA) and Janssen, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and with support from the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the World Health Organization (WHO) organized the inaugural Prof. E.F.B. Forster Public Lecture Series on the theme “Ten Years of The Mental Health Act: Measuring Impact.”

The lecture featured remarks from Estelle Appiah, Board Chair, MHA, and Professor Kwaku Appiah-Adu, Senior Advisor, Vice President’s Secretariat, Office of the President of Ghana. Dr. Nana Adobea Brown, Psychiatrist at Accra Psychiatric Hospital, gave a profile of Professor E.F.B. Forster, highlighting his transformative impact and legacy in mental health care in Ghana.

Prof. Sammy Ohene, Chairman of the Ghana & West Africa Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, delivered the inaugural Prof. E.F.B. Forster Public Lecture on the theme, “Ten Years of the Mental Health Act: Measuring The Impact.” He provided a historical background of mental disorders and their treatment, the importance of mental health laws, the evolution of mental health legislation in Ghana, and the Mental Health Act 2012 (Act 846) and its key provisions.

He also highlighted the state of Ghana’s mental health sector after the Mental Health Act 2012 (Act 846) had been enacted, with specific emphasis on policy and administration, human rights, community care, human resources, integration of services, and funding.

The event featured a panel moderated by Rev. Prof. Joseph Osafo, Centre for Ageing Studies, on “The Impact of the Mental Health Act.” The panelists comprised Prof. Sammy Ohene, Chairman of the Ghana & West Africa Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons; Prof. Kwasi Osei, Accra Psychiatric Hospital; Dr. Divine Ndonbi Banyubala, Registrar, Ghana Medical And Dental Council; Dr. Anthony Ofosu, Deputy Director General, Ghana Health Service; Mr. Peter Yaro, Executive Director, BasicNeeds Ghana; Dr. James Duah, Deputy Executive Director, Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG); Susan Adwoa Mensah, Social Development Adviser, United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK-FCDO); and Mr. Henry Osei-Agyekum, Country Manager at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.

Prof. Pinaman Appau, CEO of MHA, articulated her vision for the MHA and the strategies to achieve this vision. After her speech, the Management and Board of the MHA presented a lifetime achievement award to Professor Joseph Bediako Asare in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments and significant contributions to mental health care practice and training.

There were solidarity messages from Ikechukwu Ofuani, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Johnson & Johnson, and Dr. Henry Lawson, Vice Rector at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as an address from the Ministry of Health (MoH) delivered by Alhaji Hafiz Adam, Chief Director, MoH.