Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra Appoints Silvia Rajniak as Its First Female General Manager

Ghana’s premier five-star luxury hotel has made history with the appointment of its first female General Manager. With more than 16 years of distinguished hospitality experience, Silvia Rajniak re-joins Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra as its visionary leader, poised to elevate the guest experience to new heights of excellence.

Silvia’s journey with Kempinski began in 2009 as Personal Assistant to the General Manager. Her remarkable rise through senior roles across Europe and Africa reflects her passion, determination and unwavering commitment to service excellence.

Over the years, Silvia has held several executive positions, including her previous role as Hotel Manager of Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra. Most recently, she served as General Manager at Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay in Egypt. Her deep operational expertise and transformational leadership uniquely position her to further strengthen Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra’s reputation as an ultra-luxury hospitality icon.

‘Ghana has always felt like home,’ said Silvia Rajniak on her return to Accra. ‘I am honoured to take on the role of General Manager. Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is very close to my heart, and with the support of our wonderful team, I am confident we will take this property to new heights.’

 

With 269 elegant rooms and suites, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City remains Ghana’s leading luxury hospitality brand, setting the benchmark for accommodation and service quality within the nation’s growing tourism and hospitality sector. Earlier this year, the hotel launched the celebration of its 10th anniversary with a series exciting initiatives designed to express gratitude to its employees, partners and the local community. Highlights have included the opening of ASANA Bar & Kitchen, a new Asian-fusion restaurant and bar, as well as CSR initiatives under its ‘10 Acts of Kindness’ programme.

 

-ENDS-

About Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra is a luxury lifestyle destination that has been designed to offer the highest standards of European luxury with the remarkable warmth and hospitality that Ghanaians are renowned for. The hotel features 269 rooms, including luxury suites and presidential suites. Ideally located in downtown Accra, the hotel is within close proximity to the State House, the Accra International Conference Centre and the National Theatre.

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today the Kempinski Group operates 75 hotels and residences in 33 countries and currently has more than 25 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.comwww.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

 

Media contacts:

Theodora M. Yebuah · Marketing Manager

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra

PMB 66 – Ministries · Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Ridge · Accra · Ghana

T +233 24 243 6000 · theodora.yebuah@kempinski.com

Ghana–U.S. Executive Dialogue Strengthens Investment Ties on the sidelines of UNGA 2025

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (AmCham Ghana), convened a high-level U.S.–Ghana Executive Business Dialogue. The 25th September event was graced by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a more attractive and enabling environment for foreign investment in Ghana.

Renewed Commitment to Investment Reforms

In his remarks, President Mahama underscored reforms designed to open Ghana further to global investors. The comprehensive dialogue covered opportunities in energy, healthcare, mining, technology, and agriculture in Ghana, one of West Africa’s fastest-growing markets. The discussions underscored Ghana’s determination to strengthen U.S. commercial partnerships, with President Mahama reaffirming his campaign message that the country is “open for business.”

He emphasized the removal of minimum capital requirements for foreign entry (except for sectors reserved for Ghanaians), the ongoing digital transformation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to enable 24-hour business registration, and the planned introduction of electronic visas from 2026. These measures, he stressed, will ease the process of doing business and position Ghana as the “gateway to Africa” for U.S. investors.

Business Leaders Engage on Opportunities

The roundtable brought together leading American multinationals and Ghanaian corporate leaders across energy, aviation, technology, healthcare, and financial services. Discussions centered on deepening partnerships, expanding trade and investment flows, and addressing shared challenges in the business environment. Companies welcomed the government’s reforms and expressed optimism about the opportunities to scale their investments in Ghana.

For U.S. firms, the discussions signal a stronger and more predictable investment climate in Ghana, backed by the President’s commitment to reforms. The removal of capital entry requirements for most sectors lowers barriers for new entrants, while the push toward 24-hour business registration and future e-visas reduces friction for cross-border operations.

Trade policy is also central. The possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will ensure continued duty-free access to the U.S. market, which is vital for Ghanaian exports and, by extension, for U.S. firms building supply chains and joint ventures in the country. Meanwhile, Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat gives U.S. companies a strategic hub into Africa’s 1.4-billion-person market.

Sector by sector, opportunities are opening. In energy and mining, U.S. technology and service providers can partner with Ghana to modernize infrastructure and drive sustainable practices. In healthcare, demand for pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and advanced

medical equipment remains high. Agriculture and agribusiness present avenues for U.S. firms to apply innovation across supply chains. And in technology, Ghana’s youthful population and digital transformation create fertile ground for American innovation and investment.

Ultimately, the roundtable reinforced that Ghana is positioning itself as the entry point for U.S. companies into Africa. For American businesses, this is both a market opportunity and a strategic imperative: those who move early will be best placed to shape and benefit from the continent’s next wave of grow

AmCham Ghana’s Role

As the convener on the Ghana side, AmCham Ghana facilitated candid exchanges between policymakers and the private sector. The Chamber reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner that connects U.S. businesses to Ghana’s opportunities, while ensuring that members’ concerns are constructively addressed through advocacy and dialogue. The event further highlighted the Chamber’s growing influence as a neutral platform that strengthens U.S.–Ghana economic relations.

AmCham Ghana is uniquely positioned to serve as the bridge between U.S. businesses and Ghana’s evolving investment landscape. At the New York roundtable, the Chamber played a convening role—bringing the President, senior policymakers, and corporate leaders into one room for frank and solution-oriented dialogue.

Going forward, AmCham’s role will be threefold:

1. Advocacy – ensuring that the concerns of U.S. investors are voiced at the highest levels of government, particularly on regulatory clarity, taxation, and trade policy.

2. Facilitation – creating platforms where members can explore partnerships, expand into new sectors, and connect with Ghana’s AfCFTA advantage as a regional gateway. It will also facilitate a U.S. Ghana Commercial dialogue with key Ministries and Agencies to provide members with a formalized high level platform to influence policy and gain insights to the Ghana’s evolving economy

3. Support – equipping member companies with practical tools, market intelligence, and policy insights to reduce business risks and unlock opportunities.

In essence, AmCham Ghana will remain a trusted partner for U.S. companies, enabling them not just to enter the market but to thrive, while also strengthening Ghana’s position as a reliable investment destination in Africa

Looking Ahead

The success of the New York roundtable not only reaffirmed Ghana’s openness for business but also set the tone for sustained U.S.–Ghana cooperation. With a renewed focus on investment facilitation, digital reforms, and inclusive growth, the Chamber and its partners will continue to play a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities that benefit both economies.

As the President succinctly put it, “Ghana is indeed open for business.

U.S.-Ghana Executive Business Roundtable with H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), and the U.S. Chamber was honored to participate in a high-level roundtable today with H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. The meeting, facilitated by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and its CEO, Simon Madjie, offered members a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the President about his government’s policy priorities and vision for advancing Ghana’s economic growth.

President Mahama emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and attracting new investments. He reaffirmed that the minimum capital requirement for foreign investors will be eliminated across all sectors, except those specifically reserved for Ghanaians, a long-anticipated reform that will significantly ease market entry and encourage greater U.S. business participation.

In a further boost to the investment climate, the President announced that registration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) will soon be completed within 24 hours, cutting red tape and accelerating the establishment process for new businesses. He also confirmed that, beginning next year, Ghana will introduce e-visas, making travel and business access to the country faster and more efficient.

These reforms underscore the government’s determination to make Ghana one of the most attractive destinations for trade and investment in the region. For AmCham members, they present new opportunities to expand operations, deepen partnerships, and contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.

Participants included the President of the AmCham Board Kimathi Kuenhyia and CEO of AmCham Doris Kafui Afanyedey.

Ghana is indeed open for business!

Cummins GM came visiting as part of the listening tour

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), welcomed Patrice Ndzana, General Manager of Cummins Ghana, to our offices as part of the ongoing Member Listening Tour.

The visit created space for an open and engaging conversation about Cummins’ operations in Ghana, its contributions to industrial growth, and the challenges shaping the broader business environment.

Cummins, known globally for its reliable power solutions and engine technologies, has been making significant investments in Ghana. Recent projects include the delivery of six QSK95 engines for new tugboats at Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, repowering five dewatering pumps at Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, expanding service facilities in Tarkwa and Kumasi, and installing two 900 kVA standby generators at CalBank’s Head Office.

Beyond business, Cummins continues to invest in people—employing a predominantly Ghanaian workforce and advancing technical training to equip local talent for highly skilled roles.

The dialogue with Patrice reinforced the value of the Listening Tour: keeping the Chamber connected to members’ experiences, ensuring their perspectives shape advocacy, and strengthening partnerships that drive U.S.–Ghana trade and investment

AmCham – Google AI Business Dialogue and Networking Event 2025

Yesterday, September 16, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), in partnership with Google, hosted the AI Business Dialogue and Networking Event at the Google AI Office in Accra. The program brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business and the workplace.

Delivering her remarks at the engagement, AmCham CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey highlighed the transformative potential of AI while emphasizing the responsibility to use these tools ethically and inclusively. She reaffirmed AmCham Ghana’s mission to provide platforms that connect U.S. companies, Ghanaian businesses, and entrepreneurs in leveraging emerging technologies for growth and competitiveness.

Jason Hickey, Senior Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, traced the history of AI from regression models to today’s large language models (LLMs), helping participants contextualize how far the technology has come and where it is headed. Perry Nelson, Country Lead at Google, then led participants through live demonstrations of Gemini for Work and Notebook LLM, showcasing practical applications to boost workplace productivity and collaboration.

Conversations throughout the event focused on the ethical use of AI, the risks of generated content, and practical strategies to ensure accountability and trust in business applications. Participants also raised thought-provoking questions on how AI can support knowledge preservation, creativity, and industry-specific innovation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

 

The program concluded with networking and refreshments, providing a platform for collaboration and exchange among stakeholders committed to shaping Ghana’s digital and business future responsibly.

AmCham Ghana Welcomes Oracle Ghana as New Platinum Members

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham) is delighted to welcome Oracle Ghana as our newest Platinum Member.

Oracle, a global leader in cloud technology and enterprise solutions, continues to expand its impact in Ghana by providing innovative digital tools that empower businesses, government agencies, and entrepreneurs to achieve greater efficiency, security, and growth.

As a Platinum Member of AmCham Ghana, Oracle Ghana joins a distinguished network of top-tier organizations committed to advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development between Ghana and the United States.

We look forward to collaborating closely with Oracle Ghana to drive innovation, create opportunities, and support Ghana’s digital transformation journey.

Welcome aboard, Oracle Ghana!

AmCham Ghana Joins Stakeholder Consultation on New Investment Promotion Bill

Last Friday, on the sidelines of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre’s (GIPC) stakeholder consultation, our CEO, Doris Kafui Afanyedey, and Communications Officer, Albert Ludwig, joined the discussions alongside private sector representatives, including Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC).

The session brought together both public and private sector voices to review the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Bill, 2025, set to replace the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865). Once passed, the Bill will establish GIPA as the lead government agency for promoting, facilitating, and regulating investments into and within Ghana.

 

Mr. Simon Madjie, CEO of GIPC, emphasized that stakeholder contributions are key to shaping the Bill, noting that the process is designed to build consensus and create a legal framework that responds to the realities of Ghana’s investment climate. He also highlighted that the Bill addresses persistent issues such as fronting and regulatory inconsistencies.

From the legal perspective, Ms. Naa Lamle Orleans-Lindsay, Director of GIPC’s Legal Division, explained why the law needs updating after more than three decades. She pointed to reforms such as expanding the Authority’s mandate, revising its governance framework, and reviewing minimum foreign capital requirements, measures aimed at strengthening investor protection and driving sustainable growth.

 

The consultation ended with an interactive Q&A session, where both public and private sector participants, including AmCham Ghana and UKGCC, shared perspectives, raised concerns, and contributed meaningfully to shaping Ghana’s investment future.

Mantrac MD Pierre Lambert Hill meets AmCham CEO Doris Afanyedey

Earlier today, September 11, 2025, Doris Afanyedey, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), visited Pierre Lambert Hill Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana in Accra as part of the CEO Listening Tour and engaged with the company’s leadership team.

Mantrac Ghana, the authorized Caterpillar dealer in the country, has operated in Ghana for over 88 years, supplying heavy machinery and equipment for the construction, mining, and energy sectors. The company employs a predominantly Ghanaian workforce, with over 97% of its staff being local, and continues to make significant investments in skills development and technical training, having trained more than 2,000 technicians in recent years.

One of Mantrac’s flagship contributions is its $60 million Component Rebuild Centre (CRC) in Takoradi, the largest of its kind in West Africa, which enhances the company’s ability to support mining and infrastructure projects across the region. Despite challenges such as evolving regulatory requirements, import restrictions on equipment, and increasing competition from low-cost suppliers, Mantrac remains committed to operating transparently, building local capacity, and sustaining Ghana’s industrial growth.

Through its investments, Mantrac Ghana continues to position itself as a trusted partner in driving innovation, supporting infrastructure development, and advancing Ghana’s broader extractives and construction industries.

Baker Hughes Hosts AmCham CEO Doris Afanyedey

On Thursday, September 4, 2025, Doris Afanyedey visited Baker Hughes Ghana in Accra as part of the CEO Listening Tour and engaged with the company’s leadership team. Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company formed through the merger of GE Oil & Gas and Baker Hughes, has operated in Ghana for nearly two decades.

Doris met with John Swatson, Senior Sales Operations Manager; William Yeboah, Local Content & Government Accounts Manager; and Daniel O., Sales & Commercial (Subsurface), and the discussions focused on:Baker Hughes’ ongoing priorities in Ghana’s oil & gas sector and the broader energy transition.

  • Key challenges faced by multinational energy firms, including local content requirements and taxation,
  • Opportunities for collaboration with AmCham Ghana in advocacy, energy transition dialogues, and local capacity building initiatives.

Baker Hughes reaffirmed its commitment to Ghana’s energy sector and expressed strong interest in working closely with AmCham Ghana’s Energy, Extractives & Infrastructure Board Sector Committee.

This partnership will help strengthen AmCham’s advocacy in the energy space, support Ghana’s transition to sustainable energy, and create new avenues for collaboration between U.S. businesses and Ghana’s energy industry.

Baker Hughes company provides upstream services across subsurface drilling and completions, surface and wellhead equipment, and industrial turbomachinery, while also supporting local operations with a 12-acre base in Ghana that includes workshops, climate-controlled stores, and laydown facilities.

Through these investments, Baker Hughes contributes to Ghana’s energy sector by enabling efficient oil and gas operations, building local capability, and offering infrastructure that can support cross-sector needs. The company remains a key partner in advancing innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth within Ghana’s extractives industry.