The American Chamber of Commerce was pleased to partner with its member, Johnson & Johnson to host the Ghana Pharma Mental Health Forum. The event brought together pharmacists from facilities across Ghana, alongside representatives from the Ministry Of Health, Ghana, the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, the Mental Health Authority-Ghana, and Academia. The group discussed practical approaches to strengthening mental health care and raising awareness of conditions such as schizophrenia.

Representing the Chamber at the event were the Membership and External Affairs Manager, Mrs. Jane Okyere-Aduachie, and Administrative Assistant Madam Akua Oye Akuffo.

Attendees were enlightened by the valuable insights from distinguished speakers and authorities in the mental health space. Dr. Reiner Adisi, Pro. Sammy Ohene and Enyonam Ganyaglo served as resource persons for the panel discussions, which covered mental health awareness, early diagnosis, treatment adherence, stigma reduction and the importance of collaborative action in improving mental health outcomes.

AmCham Ghana commended Johnson and Johnson for convening this important dialogue and creating a platform for knowledge sharing, partnership, and collective action. Together, the organizations affirmed their commitment to continue advancing awareness, strengthening support systems, and promoting better mental health outcomes for all.

Last Monday’s launch of Ghana’s new e-Visa platform may prove to be one of the country’s most significant travel and trade reforms in recent years. Introduced on Africa Day by President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative signals more than just a technological upgrade; it reflects Ghana’s ambition to position itself as one of Africa’s most accessible and business-friendly destinations.

The launch event brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and representatives of the private sector, including the CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, Doris Kafui Afanyedey, and the Chamber’s Manager for Membership and Special Projects, Jane Okyere Aduachie.

For years, travellers to Ghana often faced lengthy visa procedures, embassy visits, extensive paperwork, delays, and uncertainty around approvals. For many members of the business community, particularly U.S. companies and executives seeking to explore investment opportunities in Ghana, the process was frequently cited as one of the practical barriers to doing business in the country.

The introduction of the e-Visa system is therefore expected to significantly improve the experience for international investors, business travellers, and corporate delegations. Travelers can now apply online through the Ghana Immigration Service platform and receive responses within approximately 48 to 96 hours, reducing administrative bottlenecks and making travel planning far more efficient.

For the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana and its members, the reform represents a meaningful step toward improving Ghana’s overall investment climate. Over the years, the Chamber has received notable feedback and complaints from U.S. business executives regarding the cumbersome and often unpredictable nature of Ghana’s visa acquisition process. Delays in approvals and the need for physical documentation and embassy visits sometimes affected business travel schedules, investor meetings, and participation in conferences and trade engagements.

A more efficient visa regime sends an important signal to the international business community: Ghana is serious about facilitating investment and improving ease of access for global partners. In today’s competitive environment, where investors have multiple destination choices across emerging markets, efficiency and ease of entry matter.

The implications for trade and investment could be substantial. Easier mobility can accelerate investor missions, encourage regional headquarters discussions, increase attendance at business forums, and strengthen commercial partnerships between Ghanaian and international companies. For sectors such as energy, technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, and professional services, smoother travel processes often directly influence the pace of deal-making and market expansion.

Equally notable is Ghana’s decision to waive visa fees for African passport holders traveling for business or tourism. This places Ghana among the leading voices advocating for greater regional integration and intra-African mobility, aligning with broader African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aspirations.

Tourism also stands to benefit immensely. Ghana has spent recent years building a strong global identity through initiatives such as the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return,” attracting diaspora visitors and international tourists alike. A streamlined digital visa process complements those efforts by reducing friction for travellers considering Ghana as a destination for culture, heritage, investment, or leisure.

Of course, the success of the initiative will depend on consistent implementation. The digital platform must remain reliable, responsive, and user-friendly, particularly during peak travel periods. However, the policy direction itself is widely seen as positive and forward-looking.

Ultimately, the e-Visa launch is more than an immigration reform; it is an economic and investment facilitation tool. It reflects Ghana’s intention to position itself as a modern, connected, and globally competitive destination for business and tourism alike.

For a country long regarded as the gateway to West Africa, Ghana is now taking deliberate steps to ensure the gateway is easier to enter.

Delta Air Lines marked 20 years of continuous operations in Ghana with a commemorative anniversary dinner in Accra, bringing together government officials, aviation stakeholders, diplomatic representatives, travel industry leaders, corporate partners, media, staff, and long-standing customers to celebrate the airline’s journey in Ghana since launching operations in 2006. The evening also saw the participation of the AmCham Ghana Delegation, led by CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey, underscoring the strong business and trade ties between Ghana and the United States

Speaking as the Guest of Honour on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Chief of Staff Hon. Julius Debrah highlighted Delta Air Lines’ role in strengthening Ghana–U.S. relations and connecting people, families, and opportunities over the past two decades.

“When Delta launched its nonstop service between Ghana and the United States 20 years ago, it was more than a commercial decision; it was a bold statement of confidence in Ghana and in the future of this partnership,” he said.

“Over the years, Delta has become a trusted link for families, businesses, students, and professionals, and has played a meaningful role in strengthening the connection between our two countries.”

Since launching operations in Ghana, Delta has transported nearly two million passengers between Ghana and the United States while connecting travelers from Accra to more than 215 destinations worldwide through its global network.

Emphasizing the importance of Delta’s longstanding presence and partnerships in Ghana, Rob LeBel, Managing Director – International and Specialty Sales, Delta Air Lines, said the anniversary represents far more than a milestone in aviation operations.

“Today, we celebrate 20 years of partnership, connectivity, operational consistency, and the strong relationships Delta has built with the people and institutions of Ghana. Our presence in Ghana has been defined by long-term network commitment and Ghana remains an incredibly important market within Delta’s Africa network. We are dedicated to supporting Africa’s growth and global connectivity for many years to come.”

As part of the celebration, Delta officially unveiled its 20th Anniversary logo and held a ceremonial cake-cutting to commemorate two decades of uninterrupted service between Ghana and the United States.

The evening also recognized the loyalty and support of Delta’s long-standing customers and partners through a raffle draw, where selected guests received special appreciation prizes.

The anniversary dinner further highlighted Delta’s investments in Ghana beyond aviation, including community engagement initiatives focused on health, youth empowerment, education, and leadership development.

“Delta’s dedication to Ghana extends beyond flights and destinations,” said Michael Thomas, General Manager, Global Communications, Delta Air Lines.

“It has been about connecting people, strengthening relationships, and building meaningful partnerships that positively impact lives. We are proud of this journey and deeply grateful for the support and trust we have received from Ghana over the years.”

“Ghana continues to play a strategic role within Delta’s West Africa network, and we remain focused on enhancing connectivity, customer experience, and long-term growth opportunities across the market,” said Mary Gbobaniyi, Manager, Sales – West Africa, Delta Air Lines.

The anniversary dinner formed part of activities commemorating Delta’s 20-year milestone in Ghana and reinforced the airline’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, enhancing customer experience, and expanding strategic partnerships across the Ghanaian market and the African continent.

This week, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, welcomed Dr. Yao Guevera, the Vice President of the US Africa Business Centre at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and his board member, Mr. Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, president and CEO of Rife International, and Nana Afua Sarpong, CEO of Belshaw Limited, for a courtesy visit to the Chamber’s offices in Accra to explore joining the Chamber.

The delegation was received by the Chamber’s CEO, Doris Kafui Afanyedey, together with the Manager for Membership and Special Projects, Jane Okyere Aduachie. The meeting provided an opportunity for both organizations to discuss areas of mutual interest, including strengthening U.S.–Ghana business relations, enhancing private sector collaboration, and identifying opportunities to deepen commercial engagement between Ghanaian and American businesses.

Discussions also highlighted the growing importance of strategic partnerships in advancing trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth across the region. The visit further reaffirmed the strong relationship between the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana and key stakeholders within the broader U.S. business community.

AmCham Ghana continues to play a leading role in fostering dialogue, advocacy, and partnerships that promote a conducive business environment and strengthen economic ties between Ghana and the United States.

The American Chamber of Commerce Ghana’s Energy, Environment & Infrastructure (EEI) Committee held its quarterly meeting, chaired by the Committee Chairman, Mr. John Swatson of Baker Hughes, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders from Ghana’s energy, extractives, infrastructure, and power sectors to discuss key operational challenges, investment opportunities, and policy priorities impacting the business environment.

The meeting was attended by representatives and leaders from Kosmos Energy, Halliburton, General Electric, Accra EV House, EDM Resources, Dutylex, Akwa Limited, as well as representatives from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. Discussions focused on local content implementation, investment competitiveness, energy sector developments, infrastructure planning, taxation, and emerging opportunities in electric mobility.

Mining Sector Raises Local Content and Payment Concerns

Participants from the mining sector highlighted ongoing challenges associated with the transition from owner-mining to contract mining models, noting the impact on local suppliers and service providers. Concerns were raised regarding delayed payments within the mining supply chain, which continue to place financial pressure on local businesses.

Members also discussed growing concerns over the increasing participation of foreign entities in segments reserved for local content participation, stressing the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and clearer regulatory standards. Suggestions included reviewing entry requirements and strengthening monitoring systems to ensure fair competition and genuine local participation.

Oil & Gas Industry Signals Renewed Optimism

Stakeholders in the upstream oil and gas sector expressed optimism about renewed investment activity following recent government interventions aimed at restoring investor confidence. Members noted that several international companies are reconsidering opportunities in Ghana, with significant new investments currently being discussed within the sector.

At the same time, concerns were raised regarding production sustainability, drilling activity, and the importance of maintaining gas supply commitments to support national energy security. Participants emphasized that Ghana’s oil and gas resources remain strategically important to the country’s economic growth and industrial development agenda.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Faces Policy Barriers

The Committee also discussed the growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and the opportunities for Ghana to participate in the global energy transition. Industry representatives identified high import duties and taxes on EVs as major barriers limiting market growth and investment.

Participants noted that reducing fiscal barriers could help stimulate EV adoption, support future local assembly initiatives, and position Ghana as a regional hub for electric mobility. The need for broader policy alignment between energy, transportation, and industrialization strategies was also emphasized.

Infrastructure and Power Sector Discussions

Members expressed concern over inconsistent national infrastructure planning and the impact of project discontinuity across political administrations. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) were identified as a potential pathway for accelerating infrastructure development, provided there is a stable regulatory and contractual framework.

Discussions also touched on challenges within the power sector, particularly around revenue leakages, delayed payments, and operational inefficiencies affecting the broader energy ecosystem.

Moving Forward

The Committee agreed on the importance of strengthening engagement with government agencies and regulators on issues relating to local content, taxation, infrastructure, and energy policy. Members are also committed to consolidating sector-specific concerns and recommendations into structured advocacy initiatives to support Ghana’s investment climate and long-term economic growth.

The AmCham West Africa Energy Roundtable, held on the margins of the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC 2026) in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, 6 May 2026, brought together senior government officials, national oil companies, international operators, service companies, and financial institutions from Ghana, Nigeria, and the U.S. private sector to examine one central question: how does West Africa convert its energy potential into durable investment and long-term value?

The event was co-hosted by Doris Kafui Afanyedey, Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana, and Margaret Olele, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary of the American Business Council Nigeria — a partnership that reflected the growing coordination between West Africa’s two leading AmCham platforms. Co-organising partners included the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), the Ghana-Houston Chamber of Commerce, and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).

A Moment of Strategic Opportunity

The roundtable was moderated by Mr. Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and Mr. Joe M. Mensah, Senior Vice President and Head of Ghana Business Unit at Kosmos Energy LLC. Together, they guided a high-level conversation grounded in candour: West Africa’s energy significance is rising precisely because global energy markets are fragmented, supply routes are disrupted, and governments worldwide are reassessing energy security. The region’s deepwater capability, growing gas reserves, Atlantic-facing export routes, and established producers position it well — but, as panellists emphasized, relevance alone does not attract capital. Capital is disciplined, and it flows to environments where contracts are stable, infrastructure is in place, and execution risk is manageable.

Ghana’s Investment Landscape

Ing. Dr. Robert Kofei Larkey, Deputy CEO (Technical) of Ghana National Gas Limited, outlined a compelling near-term investment pipeline. Priority projects include a second gas processing plant, a new transmission compressor station to boost throughput across the national network and expanded pipeline infrastructure connecting Ghana’s western producing corridor to industrial demand centres in the east. The Voltarian Basin inland exploration programme was flagged as a frontier opportunity for investors willing to take early-entry exploration upside.

Mr. Hamis Usuf, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), reinforced the institutional commitment to attracting the right capital partners,noting that GNPC’s mandatory participation role in all upstream petroleum operations positions it as a capable and commercially oriented partner, not merely a regulatory presence.

Mr. Joe Mensah of Kosmos Energy cited the landmark fiscal stability arrangement negotiated with the current administration, regulatory continuity through 2040 in exchange for a two-billion-dollar investment commitment, and lower domestic gas prices as a direct example of how responsive government engagement unlocks capital. The result: a commitment to drill annually going forward. When incentive terms align with investor risk, capital responds.

Nigeria: Scale, Reform, and Maturity

Mr. Abayomi Salami, Director of Policy at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, outlined Nigeria’s energy reform agenda, including the gas-to-power programme, decentralised renewable energy initiatives, and the government’s ambition to raise electricity access from 40% to 90% by 2030, requiring a tenfold increase in generation capacity. He described the investment environment as increasingly structured and promotion-ready, with NIPC actively facilitating entry for credible investors.

Sopiribo (Sops) Ideriah, Global Operations Leader at SLB, provided a seasoned investor’s perspective on what it takes to finance West African energy assets, emphasising the importance of fiscal predictability, the quality of local partnership, and the critical link between consistent drilling activity and meaningful local content development.

Cecilia Umoren, Chairman of the Women in Energy Network Nigeria, made a compelling case for deliberate inclusion, noting that research consistently demonstrates that companies with women in leadership deliver stronger bottom-line results. She called on both governments and private sector actors to treat gender diversity not as a social programme but as a commercial imperative.

Local Content: Quality Over Quantity

Craig Bebee, Senior Business Development Leader at Halliburton, and Eng. Benedict Tandoh, CEO and Managing Director of BBS Engineering Limited, offered complementary perspectives on the Ghana local content experience. Halliburton’s commitment to Ghana is real, Bebee noted, but investment in local facilities and personnel requires the certainty of sustained activity. Tandoh described the structured joint venture model in which BBS has been progressively building technical capacity, with Halliburton engineers embedded in live projects, enabling genuine knowledge transfer over time.

Chijioke Uwaegbute, PWC Leader for Oil and Gas in Nigeria, brought a financing and governance lens to the discussion, underscoring that the most fundable companies are those that invest in governance quality, audited financials, and management credibility, not just asset ownership.

Closing Commitment

The roundtable concluded with a commitment to produce a position document articulating West Africa’s collective energy perspective for submission to the U.S. State Department and relevant federal bodies. Participants left with a shared understanding: the opportunity window is real but not permanent. Other regions are competing. The countries and companies that move with clarity, discipline, and speed will attract the partnerships that matter.

AmCham Ghana will continue to advance this agenda through its Policy Advocacy and Trade and Investment pillars and looks forward to deepening U.S.–Ghana commercial ties in the energy sector.