AmCham Ghana Backs AGI’s Call To End Discrimination In Water Tariffs

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, backs AGI’s call on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to end discrimination in water tariffs. We are of the opinion that the recent upward tariff adjustments and the reclassification of Bottled Water and Beverage producers to the Commercial (Special Commercial) category are unfair and place an undue burden on companies.

The Chamber appreciates the country’s current economic situation and the need for utility companies to adjust prices to reflect the changes in the cost of production and inflation. Still, some of these decisions reaffirm the perceived discrimination in the allocation of water tariffs.

Recatorizing Bottled Water and Beverage producers with a 172% tariff increment (GHc 30.00/1000L) is astronomical and unfair. This increment, coupled with increasing inflation, currency fluctuations, the new 21.9% VAT rate, and the proposed increments in Excise Duty rates, is disincentivizing and puts companies in a precarious situation.

Industry is also currently baring the shocks and challenges posed by prevailing local and global issues, and we deem it unfair the seeming shifting of economic burdens to companies already making tremendous efforts to keep their operation running to sustain the economy.

Maintaining employment is vital to the country’s economic recovery efforts. But current trends negatively impact the profitability of companies and could lead to massive job cuts if pragmatic steps are not taken to address the constant increase in the cost of doing business.

We will call on the PURC to review its decision to place bottled water and drink producers in a new category that attracts higher tariffs. We are of the persuasion that maintaining the sector in the Industry category as it has always been will ensure equity and helps dismiss perceived discrimination.

The Chamber also backs earlier calls from the AGI to the PURC to make public the actual cost of service for each consumer category for transparency and fairness.

As an organization representing companies with operations in the Bottled Water and Beverage Industry, the Chamber is convinced that it is prudent to revise this reclassification and also ask the PURC to conform to its advertised rates as the new February tariff increase of 48% for industry is higher than their earlier announced average increment of 8%.

Our member companies are high-revenue customers of the Ghana Water Company, and addressing these issues will ensure constant revenue for the utility company.

The Chamber calls for further dialogues between the PURC and our member companies to resolve these issues in the interest of all stakeholders to protect businesses, ensure jobs and help maintain a favorable business environment to boost investment.

Signed,
Simon Madjie
Executive Secretary

Global Mamas Releases Sustainable Events Collection With Help From PYXERA Global Facilitated 3M Impact Elevate Pro Bono Program

It’s finally here – event supplies that are good for people and the planet! The Sustainable Events Collection is the result of a fruitful collaboration between a 3M Impact Elevate (formerly known as “Catalyst”) pro bono program facilitated by PYXERA Global(www.pyxeraglobal.org) and Global Mamas ( www.globalmamas.org) that kicked off in 2020. Concerned about the amount of plastics and waste witnessed as conference attendees, Global Mamas saw an opportunity to reinvent event materials using the basic principles of a circular economy. Global Mamas worked with 3M Impact Elevate program to bring fresh and innovative solutions to Global Mamas’ vision of providing eco-friendly products to the many corporate events taking place each year in Ghana.

By sustainably harvesting an invasive weed growing in the Volta River, known as water hyacinth, Global Mamas discovered how to produce paper products that help improve the river’s biodiversity as well as support waterway-dependent livelihoods. With a fresh perspective, a dynamic team of 3M Impact Elevate executives validated the business idea and guided the planning and development of products for greener events that also promote sustainable livelihoods in Ghana.

Global Mamas is launching the Sustainable Events Collection as a result of this work. The collection is fair trade and handmade from 100% renewable and/or upcycled materials. The collection includes a name badge with batiked organic fabric scrap neck strap, a notebook made from water hyacinth paper wrapped in batiked organic cotton fabric scraps and recycled glass bead closure, folders customized with company or event logos, and swag bags made from a sturdy but flexible formulation of hyacinth paper and twisted stems for handles or swap those for an upcycled flour sack tote.

With the assistance of such pro bono technical interventions from the 3M Impact Elevate Program and partners like PYXERA Global, Global Mamas is eager to work with companies that are ready to distinctly show their commitment to sustainability by including fair trade, handmade, sustainable conference products at their next corporate event! For more information, contact Allison Greene (allison@globalmamas.org).

Ghana’s Ambassador To The United States Visits Cargill Ghana

On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, paid a courtesy visit to Cargill’s state-of-the-art cocoa processing facility at the free zones enclave in Tema, accompanied by AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, and the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of the One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kofi Addo.

This was part of the Ambassador’s engagement with U.S. companies in Ghana under the auspices of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana.

Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama interacted with the Managing Director of Cargill Ghana, Aedo van der Weij, and other managers to understand the company’s operations and was given a tour of the plant to meet with the various employees as well as have an experience of the different stages of cocoa processing.

Cargill has been sourcing cocoa from Ghana for over 40 years, and in 2008 opened its state-of-the-art cocoa processing facility in Tema, employing around 240 employees processing cocoa products to service food and confectionary customers locally and around the world. Cargill, also through its various activities in the cocoa supply chain, provides about 750 direct jobs, the majority of which are locals.

The Ambassador was impressed by Cargill’s deliberate efforts at employing and empowering locals. She said it is indicative that given the right conditions and resources, Ghana has the human resource to support industries.

In 2016, Cargill added a Licensed Buying Company (LBC) to its Ghanaian footprint. The LBC operations bring innovative ways to trade with farmers directly, emphasizing their sustainability and traceability efforts.

The company has invested over $3.2 million into sustainability programming with partners CARE and the International Cocoa Initiative to address the educational gap in 250 communities in the Western North region of Ghana by providing school buildings.

The Ambassador was also honored to plant a symbolic cocoa tree in the middle of the Cargill garden. A gesture of goodwill and Cargill’s commitment to Ghana’s cocoa sector.

AmCham Ghana Statement On Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2022 Before Parliament

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, has always appreciated the government’s efforts to raise more revenue domestically. But as I have indicated in my new year statement, it is imperative that the government consider the impact these proposed measures will have on the cost of production, distribution, and sale of products. Some of the rate increments in the Excise Duty (Amendment) Act 2022 will hurt businesses.

For instance, the proposed 20% rate on mineral water from the previous 17.5% will lead to an increase in the cost of production, which the companies will ultimately pass on to the consumer, which could lead to a decline in sales.

Also, the proposed imposition of excise duty (20 per centum of the ex-factory price)- ‘sugar tax’ on sweetened beverages in addition to the already existing 17.5% (to be increased to 20% per the amendment) on non-alcoholic beverages will inversely impact the business of companies operating in that sector. This will lead to an astronomical increase in the cost of production, especially for companies producing both mineral water and sweetened beverages.

These increments, coupled with the country’s current economic situation, will overburden companies leading to some businesses having to make the difficult decision of laying off some workers.

We accept that the government must increase revenue and improve the health of the citizenry, but it is also in the interest of the government to protect jobs as well.

The Chamber is making this humble call before Parliament resumes sitting to allow for broader consultation with industry and other stakeholders to resolve pertinent issues before the bill is passed.

I will plead with the Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance, for a downward revision of these excise duty rates to boost investor interest, protect jobs, and ensure constant and steady revenue flows to the government.

AmCham Ghana members have significant investments and provide thousands of jobs across several sectors, and the Chamber is ready to engage authorities to find a middle ground on these issues to ensure Ghana remains a favorite destination for investors.

Statement On The Inauguration Of The Independent Tax Appeals Board

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, commends the government of Ghana on inaugurating the Independent Tax Appeals Board (ITAB). We believe this is a notable milestone in creating a business-friendly environment and will go a long way to significantly improve the country’s ease of doing business.

The Independent Tax Appeals Board established by the Revenue Administration (Amendment) Act, 2020, Act 1029 shall hear and determine appeals against the ‘tax decisions’ of the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) concerning objections to tax decisions and assessments.

This Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) measure will ensure speedy and cost-effective interventions to tax-related disputes. I will encourage members to consider the ITAB a first point of approach in dealing with tax disputes.

An appeal against the decision of the Commissioner-General must be filed with the Executive Secretary of the Appeals Board within thirty (30) days of the decision, and I would recommend that members who seek further clarification and assistance contact reputable tax advisory firms within the AmCham network, namely PwC, KPMG, and Morrison and Associates.

I will reiterate AmCham Ghana’s commitment to seeing businesses thrive, and we remain resolute in ensuring an investor-friendly environment to ensure success.

Please, Click Here to read more on the Act establishing the Independent Tax Appeals Board.

Entravision 365 Digital Ghana Limited Joins AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is pleased to welcome our new #GoldMember, Entravision 365 Digital Ghana Limited to our community of progressive businesses.

Entravision 365 Digital is an African online media and ad-technology business with a rich heritage in the African advertising industry. For 21 years the business has represented the largest publishers and platforms in Africa and have helped global brands reach connected consumers and drive business impact.

With a mission to connect publishers to brands, and brands to consumers, 365 Digital helps brands reach audiences at scale through its exclusive partnership with leading platforms like TikTok, Anzu, Boomplay, Triton Digital, and many more.

Entravision 365 Digital is a business unit of Entravision, a leading global advertising, media, and ad-tech solutions company connecting brands to consumers by representing top platforms and publishers.

Learn More

 

Contact

Accra, Ghana

Address: Liberation Road, Atlantic Towers, Airport City, Accra, Ghana.

Phone: +233 059-692-1226

Email: ghana@entravision.com /hellometaghana(@)entravision.com

AmCham Ghana And United Airlines Set For More Collaborations In 2023 And Beyond

AmCham Ghana, on Thursday, January 19, 2023, hosted executives from United Airlines at the Chamber’s secretariat in Accra.

The meeting was to interact with the Chamber’s Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, to identify possible avenues for collaboration in advancing the mutual interest of United Airlines and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana.

Present at the meeting were Robin Schoug, Regional Sales Manager EMEAI at United Airlines, Luc Geerts, United’s Regional Sales Director of Northern Europe, Oluwatomi Bola-Sadipe, Country Sales Manager Nigeria and Ghana, United Airlines, Geert Lemmen, Country Manager Ghana/ Africa at Brussels Airlines, Matilda Hammond, Sales Account Manager at Brussels Airlines, and Jane Okyere-Aduachie, Membership, External Relations, and Project Manager at AmCham Ghana.

The Chamber, in the past, has collaborated with United to host events, including the launch of the SelectUSA recruitment program.

The Chamber’s Executive Secretary said it would be an honor to continue with the AmCham-United collaborations. “United is an important strategic partner for us, not only in connecting business to business but people to people and expanding the U.S. – Ghana culture.”

“All the connections that matter for human beings are made possible by the travels you offer. Your presence has contributed to advancing the strategic objectives of businesses,” Mr. Madjie added.

United re-launched its services to Ghana in May 2021 and has since provided reliable flights at competitive prices for travelers. The airline recently offered a 5-10% discount on airfares to Ghana for the holiday season.

United has eight hubs, with Chicago–O’Hare being its largest in terms of passengers carried and the number of departures. They are also a founding member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance with a total of 28 member airlines.

Ghana’s Ambassador To The United States Visits Bunge Loders Croklaan

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Hajia  Alima Mahama, on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, paid a courtesy visit to the shea processing plant of AmCham Ghana member  Bunge Loders Croklaan, in the company of AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, and the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of the One District One Factory (1D1F) Initiative at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kofi Addo.

The Ambassador’s visit was to engage with management and acquaint herself with their operations. H.E. Mahama interacted with the General Manager of Bunge Loders Croklaan, Santanu Bhuyan, and other unit managers. She was taken through a presentation outlining Bunge’s operations and their remarkable sustainability efforts at ensuring the well-being of the people and the communities where they source their raw materials.

Ambassador Mahama was also given a tour of Bunge’s ultra-modern shea processing plant, one of the best in the world in terms of efficiency and quality, according to Bunge’s General Manager, Santanu Bhuyan.

Bunge Loders Croklaan has successfully established one of the most reliable sourcing networks over 10 years, with 500,000 thousand women collectors and over 1500 employees servicing 10 factories.

Bunge believes empowering women and future generations creates socio-economic value at the origin, which conserves and protects the shea landscape. The company has helped establish shea cooperatives and has supported them through training, providing equipment to improve their operations, building warehouses, Schools, and granting incentives to encourage best practices.

For almost two centuries, Bunge has expanded its focus, but at heart, it remains a business built on transporting and adding value to agricultural commodities. Bunge Loders Croklaan has worked with customers and partners to develop product innovations and breakthrough systems that have revolutionized the food industry.

H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama was impressed by what the company has achieved and was enthused by Bunge’s deliberate efforts at employing and empowering locals and ensuring gender balance at the processing facility.

AmCham Ghana Meets With Newmont Regional Senior Vice President

David Thornton, Regional Senior Vice President at Newmont Africa, on Thursday, January 12, 2023, paid a courtesy call to the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, to meet with the Chamber’s President, Ayesha Bedwei-Ibe, and Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie.

This was Mr. Thornton’s first visit to the Chamber and was accompanied by Newmont’s Vice President for Sustainability & External Relations, Adiki Ayitevie.

Among other issues discussed were Newmont’s operations in Ghana, plans for the future, and how the Chamber can assist in advocating for an improved business environment to streamline the gold company’s operations in the country.

Newmont Ghana is one of the leading gold mining companies in Ghana, employing thousands of Ghanaians. The company has invested several millions of dollars in production and corporate social responsibilities to improve livelihoods in host communities. Newmont is also one of the substantial contributors to Ghana’s public finances through taxes.

AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, noted the importance of having companies such as Newmont do business in the country, reiterating its enormous benefits to the socioeconomic development of host communities and the entire country at large, as well the Chamber.

“Newmont has been an iconic and credible American company, setting good examples for all of us to follow, and it’s a good module to preach to all those who are looking to invest in Ghana, from engagement with stakeholders, the community, to the closeness with agencies and organizations such as ours, so we look forward to continuing that relationship,” Mr. Madjie added.

AmCham Ghana President, Ayesha Bedwei-Ibe, reiterated the Chamber’s commitment to seeing business prosper and assured Mr. Thornton that all the concerns will be raised at the appropriate quarters and is hopeful that they will be addressed to improve the company’s ease of doing business in Ghana.

Sustineri Attorneys PRUC Joins AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is pleased to announce Sustineri Attorneys PRUC as a new Member of our association of progressive businesses.

About Sustineri Attorneys:

We are Ghana’s foremost Start-up focused law firm, committed to providing differentiated legal services by leveraging our experience as proven entrepreneurs, business managers, and business lawyers – allowing us to think like entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers in the design of legal solutions.

As a team of young legal practitioners, SUSTINERI ATTORNEYS PRUC takes pride in acting with integrity, avoiding conflicts, and working with clients to design innovative legal solutions that meet their specific needs.

At SUSTINERI ATTORNEYS PRUC, every client’s brief is an opportunity to use our sound understanding of Ghana’s business, commercial and legal environment, professional experience, and sound commercial knowledge to provide solutions that do not only address immediate legal needs but also anticipate future challenges and opportunities.

Our pride as Ghana’s foremost Start-up focused law firm stems not only from our belief in the ideas of many young people but also from the difference our network of resources and experience can make when working closely with founders/entrepreneurs. To this end, we operate a 24-hour policy urging our clients to reach out to us at any time and on any issue.

We strive for excellence, ensuring that our solutions provide sustainable paths for our clients’ businesses by adopting a common-sense and practical approach in our value-added legal service delivery – and employing our problem-solving skills.

Our goal is to help businesses to become commercially sound and viable, as well as regulatory compliant, by engaging in beneficial transactions to promote their business competitiveness for sustained operations and investments.

And as our name implies, our top priority is to always use legal means to promote the sustainability (long-term viability) of our clients’ businesses.

 

Contacts:

info@sustineriattorneys.com

+233(0)302553892 | +233(0)243717144

https://sustineriattorneys.com/

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