Distinguished Speaker Series on FDI with H.E. John Dramani Mahama

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, a consortium of reputable trade associations, led by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council, Spain-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Ghana South Africa Business Chamber, Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Japan External Trade Office, and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, France, launched the Distinguished Speaker Series at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.

This initiative aimed to foster high-level discussions on the future of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ghana. The speaker for the occasion was the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)- H.E. John Dramani Mahama.

The dialogue sought to address policies implemented by political leaders to attract and retain FDI, which had been instrumental in Ghana’s economic growth. FDI had contributed significantly to job creation, tax revenue generation, increased capital flows, technology and skills transfer, export development, and infrastructure enhancement. Since 1990, foreign investors had contributed approximately $47.2 billion to the Ghanaian economy, solidifying Ghana’s position as a major recipient of FDI in the subregion.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama outlined challenges hindering FDI inflows, including regulatory complexities, contract violations, macroeconomic instability, and corruption. He proposed policy interventions to address these challenges and attract more FDI, such as simplifying regulatory processes, ensuring contract sanctity, improving macroeconomic stability, reforming state-owned enterprises, providing incentives for investors, and strengthening investment promotion agencies.

The speaker identified specific sectors for targeted FDI promotion, including the extractive industry, digital economy, infrastructure, and agriculture. During the Q&A session, H.E. John Dramani Mahama discussed strategies used to attract significant FDI during his time in office, focusing on the oil and gas sector. He emphasized the importance of streamlining bureaucratic processes, coordinating government agencies, and utilizing debt service escrow accounts and public-private partnerships to finance infrastructure projects.
H.E. John Dramani Mahama emphasized the crucial role of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in economic growth and development, particularly for developing nations like Ghana. He highlighted several challenges hindering FDI inflows into Ghana, including regulatory complexities, contract violations, macroeconomic instability, and corruption.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama outlined a series of policy interventions to address these challenges and attract more FDI. These included:
* Simplifying regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic burdens
* Ensuring contract sanctity and resolving payment issues
* Improving macroeconomic stability and reducing inflation
* Reforming state-owned enterprises
* Providing incentives for investors
* Strengthening investment promotion agencies

H.E. John Dramani Mahama identified specific sectors for targeted FDI promotion, such as the extractive industry, digital economy, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Following the keynote speech, there was a fireside chat moderated by Mr. Joe Mensah, Senior Vice President for Kosmos Energy. During the Q&A session with H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the former President discussed strategies used to attract significant FDI during his time in office, particularly focusing on the oil and gas sector.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama highlighted the importance of streamlining bureaucratic processes and coordinating government agencies to facilitate investment. He mentioned the use of debt service escrow accounts and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to finance infrastructure projects without government funding. Additionally, the speaker explained how state-owned enterprises were incentivized to attract FDI by granting them more autonomy and access to private sector financing.

H.E. John Dramani Mahama emphasized the importance of effective governance, bureaucratic efficiency, and innovative financing mechanisms in creating a favorable investment climate.

The Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana, Simon Madjie Esq, inquired about the government’s tardy payments to companies for goods and services, as well as the inconsistent localization policies that were jeopardizing Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the next speaker in the Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) on FDI.

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GCB PLC Joins AmCham Ghana as Platinum Member

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is proud to introduce GCB Bank PLC, Africa’s most welcoming bank, offering accessible financial support wherever it’s needed through helpful service and expert solutions, as our newest Platinum Member.

GCB Bank Limited, formally known as Ghana Commercial Bank, is the largest bank in Ghana in terms of total operating assets and share of industry deposits, with 14.2% of total industry deposits.

GCB Bank PLC is Ghana’s first and largest indigenous bank with the vision to be the leading Bank in all our markets and the mission to provide first class banking solutions for customers and value for all stakeholders. This year, the Bank celebrates Seventy (70) years of providing unrivalled financial solutions towards socio-economic development of Ghana.

Established in 1953 and listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange since 1996, GCB Bank acquired selected assets and liabilities of two indigenous banks in 2017 and expanded its branch network and ATMs to over 185 and 340 respectively in its quest to continue being the most dominant player in Ghana’s banking

Welcome aboard, GCB Bank PLC!

Kezy-Banz Logistics and Investment Limited Proudly Joins AmCham Ghana as a Platinum Member.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana is delighted to announce that Kezy-Banz Logistics and Investment Limited, the industry leader in global classification services for marine and offshore assets, has joined AmCham Ghana as a Platinum Member. This prestigious membership signifies Kezy-Banz’s commitment to fostering growth, innovation, and strong partnerships within the Ghanaian business community

Kezy-Banz Logistics and Investment Limited offers a wide range of high-quality heavy equipment and haul trucks to meet the diverse needs of Ghana’s industries. From excavators and wheel loaders to articulated dump trucks, our machines are designed for performance and reliability

U.S. Embassy Commercial Counselor Rachel Kreissl visits AmCham Ghana

U.S. Embassy Commercial Counselor Rachel Kreissl visits AmCham Ghana

On Thursday, August 15th, Rachel Kreissl, the newly appointed Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy Ghana, and Commercial Officer Laurie Kelleher, paid a courtesy call to the secretariat to discuss the current business climate and advocate for further economic development.

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ABS Proudly Joins AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is proud to introduce ABS, the industry leader in global classification services for marine and offshore assets, as our new corporate member.

Founded in 1862, ABS is a global leader in providing classification services for marine and offshore assets. Their mission is to promote the security of life and property, serve the public interest, and preserve the natural environment. ABS is committed to safety, reliability, and efficiency, achieving industry-leading safety metrics, including zero lost time work-related incidents from 2017 to 2019.

In a rapidly changing business environment influenced by digital technology and data analytics, ABS applies advanced technology and improved processes to enhance safety, performance, and efficiency. As a trusted advisor, ABS supports marine and offshore ventures for a diverse range of clients.

AmCham Ghana Engages With American Tower Corporation Ghana (ATC Ghana)

On Thursday, July 11, representatives from American Towers Corporation (ATC) paid a courtesy call to the Secretariat to discuss the current business environment and advocate for further development.

ATC Ghana is the largest independent owner and operator of shared wireless infrastructure in Ghana. ATC provides towers, in-building systems, power solutions, and services that speed network deployment for the wireless and broadcast communications industry.

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More flights to the USA this winter with United Airlines.

More flights to the USA this winter with United Airlines.

More travel options ahead! United’s Accra to Washington flights will increase from 3 times weekly to daily in the upcoming winter season.

This is in addition to our partner, Brussels Airlines’ six weekly flights, connecting travellers to the US via Brussels.

This new schedule provides you with more connections and more flexibility over the Holiday period. Whether it’s Washington, D.C or one of our many destinations across the U.S, United’s vast network is perfect for creating multi-centre holidays, visiting loved ones and for business travel.

Schedule December 2024 to 13 February 2025

From Flight no To Departure Arrival Frequency Aircraft Type
ACC UA997 IAD 11.45pm 6.20am (+1) Daily  B787-8
IAD UA996 ACC   6.15pm 8.55am (+1) Daily  B787-8

 

* Time and frequency are subject to change. See united.com for most up to date schedule.

(+1) = next day arrival.

 

Plan you next trip on united.com.

 

 

Ghana Army Sports Teams Honoured with Cars, Watches, and Cash for Outstanding Performance by Ghana Boxing Authority, IMAX Promotions, and Premier Motors

On Thursday, June 27, our newest Platinum member, Max Industrials Limited, through its subsidiary IMAX Promotions, was awarded a brand-new Renault Logan Sedan. In a thrilling conclusion to the second season of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, Africa’s premier boxing league, the Ghana Army emerged victorious. This prestigious competition, produced by IMAX Boxing Promotions, has set new standards for the sport on the continent.

In recognition of their outstanding performance, the Ghana Army received a brand-new Renault Logan Sedan. This generous prize was provided by Premium Motors, the exclusive distributor of Renault automobiles in Ghana. The presentation of the car underscores the growing support for boxing in Ghana and highlights the commitment of corporate sponsors to the development of the sport.

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The Ghana Army’s victory in the league not only brings honor to their team but also shines a spotlight on the discipline, dedication, and skill of their boxers. This win serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country and marks a significant milestone in the history of Ghanaian boxing.

AmCham Ghana Engaged Students From Bunker Hill Community College

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, engaged students from Bunker Hills Community College in Boston, Massachusetts, on the subject of U.S.-Ghana relations, global culture practices, and dynamics in business trade. This meeting was attended by 10 students and 3 faculty members

We delved into the complexities of international relations, focusing mainly on the U.S.’s role in Ghana and across Africa.

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Throughout the dialogue, students inquire into Ghana’s promising business environment alongside the challenges of international collaboration.

Conversations also scrutinized the impact of U.S. foreign policy on African nations, underlining diplomacy’s pivotal role in promoting global harmony. From commerce to geopolitics, the discussion underscored the profound significance of cross-cultural knowledge in today’s interconnected world trade and establishment between the U.S. and Ghana.

Max Industries Limited Joins AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is proud to introduce our Newest Platinum Member, Max Industries Limited, a renowned company with a diverse portfolio including Imax Media (Max TV & FM), Max Buy, and Max Estates, among others, to our esteemed

 

Max Industries Limited (MIL) is a private limited liability company incorporated on 30th July 2020, under the companies’ Act 2019 (Act 992), as an agro base company. As an agro- based company, MIL was set up to undertake farming, food processing and value-added services as well as handle post-harvest storage, bottled water and beverages manufacturing.

MIL’s current project involves the building and operationalisation of a 100 ton per day capacity rice milling factory at Dawa and  the construction of a 24,000 bottles per hour and or 40,000 sachets per hour water processing factory at Domeabra in the Ga South Municipality.  After extensive feasibility study, MIL acquired a 45.34 acres of land and had set up a 100 mt per day capacity rice processing plant at Dawa. This is the equivalent of 20,000 bags- of 5kg per day day at the installed capacity. MIL has accordingly installed a vacuum milling equipment which produces premium quality grades of rice.  The mill has received all regulatory certifications currently undertakes  tolling services for renowned rice distributors  such as Nana Rice, Olam Agric Ltd, Delorah Stocks Ltd among other renowned rice distributors in Ghana. MIL has received Food and drugs Authority (FDA) for its Maxi brand of rice and its schedule to Start producing the Maxi brand of rice by August, 2024

MIL has also secured 10 acres of land at Domeabra  and had also  purchased  a 24,000 bottles per hour and  40,000 sachets of water per hour machinery for the production of bottled water, sachet water, non-carbonated soft drinks (NCSD) or juices and carbonated soft drinks (CSD) or fizzy drinks. All these were done from the shareholders own resources. Plans are currently far advanced to build a factory for housing the water processing plant, and undertake engineering activities preceding the installing and test running of machines to start operating fully.

 

Ownership

The company is 100% owned by Maxwell Techie, a successful businessman with business interest in Media, Real Estates, Beverages, and Consumer Electronics. My Maxwell Techie also have 100% stakes in reputable companies in Ghana such as Imax Media Group, operators of Max TV and Max FM, MaxBuy Ghana Limited, dealers in Tecno Phones in Ghana and Max Estates among others.

 

PRODUCTS

The main product Lines of MIL includes the following:

Maxi Range of Products

Long grains line of rice:                1 kg, 5kg and 25kg maxi long grain Rice,

Broken rice Line of rice:               1kg, 5kg and 25kg maxi broken rice

Bran Rice Line:                              Maxi bran Rice

 

TOLLING SERVICE

MIL also provides tolling services to major rice distributors in Ghana. These distributors brings their own paddy for MIL to Mill for them. Key ones among beneficiaries of MIL tolling services includes Nana Rice, Delorah Stcoks Limited, Olam Agri Ltd.

KEY CUSTOMERS

Key customers of MIL includes Olam Agri Ltd, Nana Rice Ltd, Delorah Stocks Ltd etc . Aside these corporate customers, MIL has a large retail customer base

BOARD & MANAGEMENT

Board of Directors

  • Maxwell Techie – Board Chairman

Maxwell is an astute businessman with over eighteen (18) years’ experience in computers, electronics, and mobile telecommunications businesses. He had his early education at the Social Advance Institute, Accra where he obtained his GCE O/Level and proceeded to Accra Academy for his GCE A/Level. Afterwards, he completed his ACCA Level 1 and worked as an Audit Assistant and Accounts Officer for some years before setting up his own company. Maxwell has started several companies and successfully built them into household names. Some of these companies include the Mobile Zone, TCL Electronics Ghana Limited, Max Estates, Max TV, Max FM, Maximum FM, Adepa TV among others. Maxwell is also the country representative of Star Time TV, a Global paid TV based in China. Max expertise is in brand development. He is credited for promoting the Tecno brand, a virtually unknown brand in the Ghanaian market into a preferred brand.

 

  • Doctor Kwadwo Brako Appiah Kubi – Managing Director

Dr. Kwadwo Brako Appiah Kubi is a versatile professional. He is a consummate surgeon with over 14 years of experience. His love for management lead him to combine his surgeon work with business management from 2015 to 2022 where he worked on part time as the Greenleaf Farmall in Accra. He has held the position as the Managing Director at Max Industries Limited since 2022. Dr. Appiah Kubi holds Bachelor’s degrees in Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) from the Kwame Nkrumah University of science and Technology, Diploma in Surgery, West Africa College of Surgeons, Lagos, Nigeria,  Master of Philosophy in Pharmacology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, and a  Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Central University, Accra, Ghana.

 

 

 

  • Diana Techie – Member

Mrs. Diana Techie is a Business woman with over Fifteen years’ experience.  She worked as the personal Assistant to the CEO of Mobile Zone Limited from 2004 to 2009 before  setting  up her own business and successfully running it till date. Diana has help Director ship positions in many other companies including         StarTimes Ghana, Imax Media Group, MaxBuy Ghana Limited etc.

 

Management

  • James Kwame Yinye – Commercial Manager

James is a Chartered Banker with expertise in Relationship management, products design/development, Risk Management, project/construction financing, financial inclusion, Business development, process improvement and Strategic Management. He Has worked at managerial level with many companies including Intercontinental Bank Ghana, Amalgamated Bank, Citi Savings and Loans and uniCredit Savings and Loans. He had also worked as the  Head of Strategies and Business Development at Tecno Ghana Limited. James is currently the Commercial Manager at Max Industries Limited, the Church Administrator at Assemblies of God Ghana, Evangel Assembly(Part Time) and the Board Chairman at Globafin Microfinance Limited. He holds a Bechelor of Science Degree in Administration from the University of Ghana, an Executive Masters in Administration from the university of Ghana, a Diploma in Theology from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Ghana,  a Masters of Ministry from the Trinity Theological Seminary, an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana and a Microfinance Trainer of Trainers(MFTOT) certificate from the Tokyo Distance Learning Center

  • Alex Ofie – Manager, Production

Alex is a dedicated and a highly organized professional with over 9 years’ experience in milling and production. His expertise is in grounds operations, streamlining processes optimizing productivities and ensuring seamless workflow. Alex also have a flair in data analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) Degree from the university of Cape Coast, and a Diploma in Mathematics from the University of Ghana, Legon. Alex has worked with many production/milling entities that has exposed him to the rudiments in rice milling. He worked as the Project Accountant at Addicent Foods Ltd, Aveyime, as an Administrative Assistant at BigData Ghana Limited, Accra, as a Warehouse and Production Manager at Addicent Foods, Dawa and as the Operations and Logistics Manager at Chen – Darley Ghana Ltd, Aveyime.

 

  • Liu Shengli – Technical Manager

Mr. Lui Shengli is a Chinese national with several years’ experience in rice milling. He had worked at management level for several Chinese companies including Poly Machinery as Electrical Engineer, Dali Milling Company as Milling Engineer and for Shuang Hu Rice Milling Company Ltd as the Chief Engineer. Mr. Shengli is currently the Technical Manager at Max Industries Ltd and he is resident at the Factory in Dawa

 

  • Prosper Kojo Boadu – Accountant

Mr. Boadu  is a Chartered Accountant with several years of experience in both Financial Accounting and Auditing. He had been an audit team lead to audit several companies including Natis Group, SES Satellite Ghana Ltd, and Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). Mr. Boadu has worked at the management level in several companies in Ghana including  Mazars Ghana as Senior Audit Supervisor, IAS/FEDERAL EXPRESS GHANA LTD as Accounts Manager,  Rightway Alu Co Ltd as Accountant, Sutherland Ghana as Accounts Manager, L’Oréal West Africa as AP Accountant and Santa Maria Junior and Senior High School  as an Accounts Officer/Bursar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROFILE OF THE OTHER SUBSIDIARIES OF Max Industrials Limited  (MIL)

1.0  Max Buy Ghana Limited

MaxBuy Ghana Limited was incorporated on the 4th Day of March, 2021 to deal in the import, wholesale and retail of Consumer Electronics.The company runs a chain of retail shops across the learnt and breadth of Ghana, dealing in a variety of goods and is currently one of the leading retail brand in the Ghanaian Market. The company currently have about 60 outlets made up of fifty (50) self-owned shops and ten franchise shops, in addition to a vibrant online store.  The plan for this business is to increase its shops to 200 by end of 2026 and become the leading retail business in Ghana by end of 2027.  The company currently have a monthly turnover of about One Million Dollars

 

2.0 Imax Media Limited

Imax Media Group was incorporated in 2019 to underttake media broadcasting and publications. The company is currently the operator of Max TV, a leading Television Station in Ghana, Max FM, a leading FM station in Accra and Maximum FM, a leading FM station in Takoradi. Imax Media currently also have licenses to operate FM stations in Tamale, Bolga, and Kumasi. Max TV is currently the only free to air channel in Ghana which telecast the Ghana Premier League and the English Premier League. Imax Media also partners StarTimes, and international paid TV station to run StarTimes Ghana Limited, a paid TV station in Ghana who have the sole Rights to Ghana Premier League.

 

3.0 Max Estates Limited

Max Estates Limited was incorporated on 2nd January, 2015 to undertake Real Estates Business. The company currently have vast stretches of serviced plots of land inprime areas in  both the Western and Eastern ends of Accra. In the  Eastern end of  Accra, the company have hundred (100) acres of land at East Legon Hills, a prime residential enclaves in Accra, valued at about Fifteen (15) Million dollars. The company also have about 80 acres on Land at Ojobi in the wastern Coridor of Accra. Mr. Maxwell Techie is the sole owner of this company

 

 

 

4.0 Tecno Ghana Limited

Tecno Ghana Limted  is the sole distributor of Tecno phones in Ghana. Tecno Ghana Limited is credited as the company which made the Tecno brand a household name in Ghana. The company imports and distributes the Tecno brand of phones to major phone dealers in Ghana such as Franko Phones and Mistuimi Ltd, Kingtec Ltd among others . The company had won several national awards, the most recent one being the Phone Distribution company of the year at the 11th Ghana Information and Telecommunications Award (GITTA) in October 2021. The company is 100% owned by Mr. Maxwell Techie.