AmCham Ghana Hosts Farewell Luncheon For Economic Section Chief – Hagen Maroney

AmCham Ghana, on Friday, May 28, 2021, hosted the Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Hagen Maroney, for a farewell luncheon with the Chamber Executives.

Mr. Maroney has been instrumental in promoting and further strengthening economic relations between the United States and Ghana through several engagements with stakeholders and has actively participated in Chamber activities, contributing immensely to its development.

The luncheon was to formally extend AmCham Ghana’s appreciation for his service and contributions. Present at the lunch were the President of the Chamber, Ayesha Bedwei, the Vice President, Pakwo Shum, Former Presidents, Joe Mensah and Philippe Ayivor, and Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Simon Madjie.

The Chamber Executives expressed their appreciation for his works and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

 

 

4TH Of July Supplement

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, in collaboration with the Graphic Communications Group Limited, will publish a special supplement to commemorate the American Independence Day celebrations. Please note, the supplement will be published on Friday, July 2, 2021, as the 4th of July, 2021, falls on a Sunday.

Rationale

The main rationale behind this special supplement is to:     

  • Provide the opportunity for American institutions and companies in Ghana to extend well wishes to the American community on this memorable day.
  • Offer a credible platform for companies to amplify their activities and advertise their products and services.
  • Promote the indigenous originality of institutions’ products/services.

Benefits

  • The special supplement is carried in the main jacket of the Daily Graphic designed to be portable and attractive.
  • The supplement pages can be pulled out of the main paper for keeps, therefore, it has a ‘longer shelf-life than the regular newspaper.
Interested member should kindly contact Yayra on 0244 474 815 or email a.amedzro@gmail.com

 

 

AmCham Ghana – United Airline Corporate Breakfast

In collaboration with United Airlines on May 17, 2021, AmCham Ghana engaged members for a corporate breakfast hosted by United’s  VP for International Network & Alliances, Patrick Quayle.

The Corporate Breakfast meeting was to afford United the opportunity to introduce their new services and the airline’s leadership team to the American business community in Ghana.

On May 16, 2021, United re-launched its services to Ghana with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner from Washington D.C. AmCham Ghana President, Ayesha Bedwei, assured United’s Executives that the Chamber is committed to assisting the airline navigate the local business environment for profitable operations.

All United’s 787 Dreamliners are outfitted with the new cabins. You’ll find 28 Polaris pods, 21 Premium Plus recliners, 36 extra-legroom Economy Plus, and 158 coach seats on these retrofitted jets.

The airline is scheduled to run a thrice-weekly service from Kotoka International Airport to Dulles International. Learn more

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.

DFC Announces Call For Applications For Climate-Focused Investment Funds

Ahead of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate, agency announces new climate action 

 

WASHINGTON – U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has announced a rolling Call for Applications from private equity, growth capital, infrastructure, and venture capital fund managers seeking DFC investment for funds targeting climate mitigation, adaptation, and solutions. In support of President Biden’s Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and the administration’s Leaders Summit on Climate starting, the Call for Applications is one of the new climate and climate-focused investment initiatives the agency is pursuing to help developing countries reduce emissions, increase renewable energy usage, protect ecosystems, and enhance resilience.

“Climate change is negatively impacting health and productivity, food production, and critical infrastructure around the world, but people in developing countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts from climate change,” said DFC Chief Operating Officer David Marchick. “This Call for Applications will help DFC identify opportunities to mobilize private sector investment in innovative and impactful solutions to climate change, bolstering climate resilience across developing countries.”

The impacts from climate change, along with the health and economic impacts from COVID-19, have the potential to reverse significant economic gains made in developing countries over the past several decades. DFC is utilizing its financing tools to facilitate increased private sector investment that addresses climate change and drives climate-focused investment in developing countries.

The Call for Applications is one action DFC is taking to leverage its toolkit to support climate action in emerging markets. DFC is committed to helping developing countries mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable economic growth.

Eligible funds should advance strategies targeting climate mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable forestry, climate-resilient infrastructure, e-mobility, technology to reduce carbon, battery storage, smart infrastructure, agriculture diversification, and technology-enabled climate mitigation and adaptation solutions in DFC-eligible countries. DFC is targeting funds with a total capitalization of $100 million or more, including the DFC commitment. The investment amount may range from $10 million to $400 million in equity or debt financing but will be limited to no more than 20% of a fund’s total capitalization, as determined by DFC.

Interested fund managers can apply for an investment on DFC.gov/funds using the directions for submission. DFC will review proposals on a rolling-basis and will continue to collect submissions indefinitely. Opportunities will be evaluated as part of a rigorous evaluation process upon the discretion of the DFC. Applicants are also welcome to submit questions about the Call to DFC.

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U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

AmCham Ghana Welcomes Twitter

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, welcomes with joy the news of Twitter setting up its first Africa office in Ghana. We believe this is a significant milestone in the development of the country’s tech sector and a further boost to the commercial relationship between Ghana and the United States of America.

As indicated by Twitter, this decision to set up in Ghana is greatly influenced by the country’s stellar democratic credentials and her support for free speech, online freedom, and the Open Internet, as well as the establishment of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Ghana, which is the result of favorable policies and improved business environment, of which AmCham Ghana is an advocate.

The chamber welcomes Twitter into the Ghanaian market and we look forward to working together in improving e-commerce, advocacy, and advancing the country’s tech sector for the future. Akwaaba.

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About AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is the representative arm of U.S businesses and subsidiaries voluntarily working to create an environment where business can thrive between Ghanaian and American communities. The chamber promotes commercial, economic, educational, and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. AmCham Ghana is an affiliate of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business association with over one million members worldwide.

 

Contact

Location: 5TH Crescent Street, Asylum Down

Post Address: P.O. Box CT2869, Cantonments-Accra, Ghana

Tel: 233 030 2247562/233 030 7011862

U.S. Pest Control Giant Orkin Enters Local Market

Global pest control specialist, Orkin, has entered the Ghanaian market, hoping to provide solutions to the agriculture sector, businesses, and households. Founded in 1901 by 14-year-old Otto Orkin, Orkin has more than 100 years of experience in pest control services and is a leader in the industry, specializing in protection against common pests including termites, rodents, and insects. In addition to pest control, the company also offers integrated plans to help protect the whole home, including insulation and moisture control services.

Speaking at the company’s launch in Accra, Head of Marketing and Operations, Paa Kow George Hagan, said Orkin is coming to introduce improved standards of pest control in the agriculture sector, which will increase yields of farmers and leads to more healthy production of foods.

He further stated that the company’s presence in the country will move industries to expect and accept international standards of pest control, as enjoyed by their counterparts operating in Europe and the Americas.

ORKIN will not lower its high standards in Ghana, but rather drive the sector to attain the standards we will provide in the country, he said. Mr. Hagan added that the company’s entry into the Ghanaian space will further create sustainable jobs, and also contribute to the fight against the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Orkin has a national franchise to operate. This means we have the potential to create many jobs throughout the country directly: by way of employing technicians, administrators and drivers. We will therefore create even more indirect jobs, and impact positively on national employment drives to help more families have meaningful livelihoods.

“We are in the middle of a big fight against the deadliest pandemic of our time, called the coronavirus. We are also aware that being healthy at this time is one of the best ways to stay on top of the virus and its rate of infection. Very, central to this fight is pest control, which reduces the onset and incidence of disease: and to constantly fumigate premises with antibacterial agents to lower and slow down bacterial spread which aids the virus. Orkin is actively involved in the global effort to combat it, and we will surely do the same here in Ghana,” he said.

Commenting on Orkin’s entry into Ghana, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Felicia Ansah Amprofi, said the company’s arrival is good news to the agriculture sector, as pest control is one of the sector’s major problems.

“Locally,30 percent of agricultural produce is lost to pests. Pests are therefore a major threat to agricultural productivity, food security. It is very important to control organic pests to provide protection against organisms that can pose health risks to humans and animals. Therefore, we welcome Orkin to Ghana’ she said.

Orkin employs nearly 8,000 team members in more than 400 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Central America, the Middle East, the Caribbean, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Australia, serving approximately 1.7 million residential and commercial customers.

The Economy and Budget 2021: Challenges and Prospects Post COVID-19

AmCham Ghana on March 18, 2021, hosted PwC Tax Partner Abeku Gyan-Quansah and Associate Prof. at the Department of Economics and Dean of International Programmes Office at University of Ghana Eric Osei-Assibey for a discussion on the topic; The Economy and Budget 2021: Challenges and Prospects Post COVID-19 (What businesses should expect).

The speakers presented highlights of the recently approved 2021 budget, focusing on its tax elements and their implications for business administration and productivity. They also touched on the current state of the economy and some post-COVID-19 recovery measures instituted by the government of Ghana, as well as challenges and prospects these measures may pose to their businesses.

Watch the full event below.

New Member: Orkin Ghana Joins AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is pleased to announce the global specialist in total pest control, Orkin Ghana, as a member of the Chamber.

Orkin is a trusted expert with over a century of experience. Using a proactive approach and proven solutions, Orkin’s experienced pest management professionals will create a pest control program specifically tailored for your business and home. We offer a scientific, customized approach grounded in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control any pests with the least amount of chemicals.

Orkin operates in over 400 locations, serving more than a million customers.

AmCham Ghana Calls For The Speedy Implementation Of The Independent Tax Appeal Board

Executive Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, Simon Madjie, has advocated for the speedy implementation of the Independent Tax Appeals Board to ease the litigation burden on businesses.

Speaking on the Joy Business News program on Thursday, March 18, Mr. Madjie said the speedy implementation of Act 1029, which establishes the Tax Appeals Board, will enhance the ease of doing business in the country and save time spent on litigation as affected parties can seek quick resolution from this independent body.

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