United Way Ghana Honors AmCham Ghana For Its Support

United Way Ghana, at its Community Builders Awards on Thursday, December 5, 2019, honored the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana for supporting the organization to undertake one of its major projects.

The Community Builders Awards Dinner was organized to appreciate volunteers, partners, and corporate institutions for their tremendous support towards United Way Ghana’s impact work in the various communities in Ghana.

In May 2019, AmCham Ghana supported United Way Ghana for its Nyansapo Literacy Project which was aimed at promoting childhood literacy at the Ayebeng Memorial Primary School in Accra. Through AmCham Ghana’s support, United Way presented the school with a ‘Library In A Box,’ each class in the school was given a box of books to make materials accessible and inspire reading culture in pupils.

Other organizations and individuals honored at the event includes AmCham Ghana members – Newmont Goldcorp Ghana and Morrison & Associates. AmCham Ghana Treasurer,  Adiki Ayitevie, and Former Treasurer of the Chamber, Doris Afanyedey, were also honored for her contributions and support to United Way Ghana.

AmCham Ghana 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana on Saturday, November 23, 2019, held its 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night. The event was to climax the year-long 30th-anniversary celebration and also commemorate the American national holiday of Thanksgiving.

The event had in attendance Senior Government Officials, including the Guest of Honor, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, and former Minister for Finance, Hon. Seth Terkper,  the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan and other Heads of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. Also in attendance were corporate executives from the American business community, former AmCham Ghana Presidents and executives, members of the Chamber, and other associates.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah, during his remarks, commended AmCham Ghana for promoting trade and investment between Ghana and the United States and connecting businesses across the continent for 30 years. “Indeed, fostering these partnerships requires extensive commitment and a genuine sense of excellence that transcends normal business practices,” he added.

The Minister also touched on the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” program, which was launched by the President of Ghana in Washington DC in September of 2019. According to the Minister, the Ministry of Trade and Industry cannot ignore the economic significance of the program as they champion intra-African trade by hosting the Secretariat of the AfCFTA. He said, “Indeed, it is a known fact returnees have contributed enormously to the rapid development of the Asian Tigers such as Korea, Japan, and China.”

“This was done through a conscious effort to provide a business environment that is welcoming, facilitating, and of international standards. We believe these are important for the business assimilation of returnees and offer a myriad of opportunities,” he added.

Given this, the Ministry is implementing a ten-point industrial transformation agenda with business regulatory reforms to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah said the Ministry is supporting private sector promoters to develop Industrial Parks and Social Economic Zones around the country to provide dedicated land space with energy, water, and telecommunications facilities for the establishment of manufacturing industries. This is expected to solve problems related to the acquisition of industrial land in the country.

The Minister joined the outgoing President of the Chamber, Joe Mensah, the Former Presidents and Executives of the Chamber, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, the Senior Director for West & Central Africa at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center, Dr. Guevera Yao, and the Headline Sponsors of the event to cut the special 30th-anniversary cake.

30th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Awards

The Chamber seized the opportunity to honor the contributions of Former Presidents and Executives of the Chamber, Members, Staff, and associates.

Ladi Nylander, AmCham Ghana Founding President; Victoria Cooper-Enchia, Former AmCham Ghana President;  William Ohrt, Former AmCham Ghana President;  Mona Boyd, Former AmCham Ghana President; Philippe Ayivor, Former AmCham Ghana President; Joe Mensah, Former AmCham Ghana President; Felix Addo, Former AmCham Ghana Vice President; Nick Kyei Baffour, Active Former Vice President; Herbert Morrison, Founding Member; Theresa Aba Conduah, First Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana; Doris Afanyedey, Past Treasurer & Longest Serving Treasurer of the Chamber; Simon Madjie, 10 Years of Service to the Chamber;  Akua Oye-Akufo, Longest-Serving Staff at the Chamber; U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Most Strategic Partner Throughout this 30-Year Period; Newmont Goldcorp Ghana, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber; PwC Ghana, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber; Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber, and NCR Ghana Limited, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber, were all presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC.

The Outgoing President of the Chamber, Joe Mensah, was presented with a Leadership Achievement Award for his exemplary leadership throughout his four-year tenure and his immense contribution to the promotion of trade and cultural ties between Ghana and the United States.

Plaques of Appreciation were presented to our Headline Sponsors; Kimathi & Partners and Newmont Goldcorp Corporation, our Gold Sponsor; ExxonMobil E&P Ghana (Deepwater) Limited, Silver Sponsor; JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, and Delta Air Line Ghana and GoldLine Mining Ghana Limited for supporting the AmCham 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night. 

Dode Seidu was also presented with a Special Recognition award for his support and contributions to the Chamber’s development.

AmCham Best Member Award 2019

The Best AmCham Ghana member award for 2019 went to ExxonMobil E&P Ghana (Deepwater) Limited for their consistent participation in AmCham Ghana activities throughout the year. ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Ghana (Deepwater) Limited acquired rights in 2018 to explore the ultra-deepwater block Deepwater Cape Three Points.

ExxonMobil holds 80% interest in the Deepwater Cape Three Point block.

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AmCham Ghana Launches ‘State of American Business Study 2020’

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, has launched the State of American Business Study 2020.

The study will serve as a pulse check of the current United States business environment in Ghana and provide an overview of the contributions of American companies to Ghana’s economy.

PwC first supported the Chamber with the exploratory study in August 2015.

Speaking at the launch of the study in Accra on Thursday, November 21, 2019, the outgoing AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, said,  “American companies have contributed immensely to Ghana’s development, and that data is needed to know where we are now.”

He added that the Chamber would once again collaborate with PwC to conduct the study as it did in 2015.  “A significant amount of time has passed since the first study and I hope that we will receive a greater level of participation this year,’ he noted.

He advised all American businesses in Ghana to sign up and share their data with the Chamber. “I urge American businesses in Ghana to sign up to be part of the study to enable us to get a true depiction of their contributions to the country,’ he said.

About the American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana)

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) 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. AmCham exists to promote commercial, economic, educational and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. The Chamber is one of the 118 affiliates of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business association with over one million members worldwide.

www.amchamghana.org

Ayesha Bedwei Appointed New President of AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ayesha Bedwei as the Chamber’s new President and Mr. Pakwo Shum (Country Manager, Delta Airlines) as the Chamber’s Vice President effective 1 January 2020.

Ms. Bedwei succeeds Mr. Joe Mensah who served as the President of the Chamber for four years. Mr. Mensah who was recently named as the Senior Vice President and Head of the Ghana Business Unit at Kosmos Energy, stated: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the President of AmCham. I believe that together with the board members, we have been able to increase the profile of the American business community in Ghana. I have worked closely with Ayesha in the Chamber for 10 years. I am very confident in her ability to ensure that the contributions of American companies remain visible in the country. I wish Ayesha the best of luck in leading the Chamber into its next chapter.”

Ms. Ayesha Bedwei is a Tax Partner at PwC Ghana with over 20 years’ experience in the finance, tax and accounting fields. She is also PwC Africa’s Diversity & Inclusion Leader. Ms. Bedwei has been involved in a wide array of projects and has built a network of influential clients and associates during her professional career. Ms. Bedwei has a wealth of experience in Energy matters due to her involvement in Ghana’s oil and gas sector from its inception in 2007 to date. In addition, she services multinational clients across a range of industries including fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

When asked about her new role Ms. Bedwei remarked, “I am honoured and excited to be appointed as the new President of the Chamber. I look forward to working to promote U.S business interest, expanding trade and investment between the U.S. and Ghana and promoting entrepreneurship and business amongst young people in the country.”

Other notable additions to the Chamber effective 1 January 2020 include Adiki Ayitevie (Vice President, Newmont Goldcorp Corporation) as the new Treasurer.

New Board Members: Randi Cruz (Managing Director & Venture Manager, ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Ghana Deepwater Limited), Gbile Adewunmi (Managing Director, Cummins CNWARO Africa), Francois Hardy (Senior Regional Vice President, Newmont Goldcorp Corporation), Seth Adu-Baah (Managing Director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited), Sulemana Abubakar (Chief Information Officer, General Electric Africa) and George Sarpong (Kosmos Energy Ghana HC)

About the American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana)

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) 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. AmCham exists to promote commercial, economic, educational and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. The Chamber is one of the 118 affiliates of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business association with over one million members worldwide.

www.amchamghana.org

AmCham – USDA Dinner Reception | AmCham Ghana Hosts Deputy Secretary For United States Department Of Agriculture

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, hosted a dinner in honor of Stephen Censky, Deputy Secretary for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and his business delegation who are in Ghana for a three-day (October 28-31, 2019), trade mission seeking to unlock new export opportunities in West African as part of the U.S. Government’s Prosper Africa initiative, which seeks to strengthen commercial ties and foster fair and reciprocal trade with African countries.

The dinner had in attendance the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan; President of AmCham Ghana, Joe Mensah; a delegation of businesses from the U.S.; staff of the USDA and U.S. Embassy in Accra as well as members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana.

Mr. Joe Mensah, President of AmCham, welcomed Mr. Censky and the business delegation, highlighting the important role of agriculture to Ghana’s development, citing renewed efforts by the Government of Ghana to invest in the sector.

Mr. Censky, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to AmCham for hosting the USDA delegation. He noted that West Africa- and Ghana in particular- is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and presents trade opportunities for American businesses. He stated that AmCham plays an important role in working to ensure that trade and investment policies of the Government of Ghana facilitate trade and development. He added that the United States is interested in the economic development of Ghana as well as in facilitating trade relations which are mutually beneficial to both countries.

Ambassador Sullivan,  commended AmCham for its strong partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, in facilitating business for American companies and promoting strong investment as well as world-class environmental, labor and ethical standards in the business environment in Ghana.

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2019 U.S. – Africa AgTech Forum| Technology & Food Security: Facilitating A Digital Revolution In Agriculture

The U.S. – Africa Agtech Forum on Agricultural Technology came off on the margins of the Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with The World Food Prize, The World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Cultivation Corridor to bring together over 150 attendees, including U.S. Government Official and Ministers from across Africa to discuss the nexus of technology in agriculture.

Nearly 800 million people do not have access to sufficient and nutritious food to live a healthy life. With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2015, the challenge of feeding the world is set to become even more acute.

Beyond the impact of global health, there is ample evidence linking food insecurity to physical security threats, creating broad implications that transcend national borders. It’s also estimated that changes in agriculture and land use are responsible for roughly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions – making the drive for food security a potential exacerbating factor in climate change if not paired with more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Digital innovation has the potential to revolutionize all aspects of the agricultural value chain – increasing agricultural efficiency, reducing food waste and alleviating food insecurity in the process. If we are to realize the vision, however, governments around the world must establish a regulatory environment that facilitate, rather than stifle, such technological solutions.

To ensure that we leverage the potential of digital innovation to transform the agricultural value chain and meet our shared objectives, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the World Food Prize encourage governments around the world to adopt the following principles;

 

  1. Foster innovation through an appropriate regulatory environment.
  2. Prioritize internet access and consumer choice.
  3. Promote increased access to finance.
  4. Commit to a cross-border data flow.
  5. Facilitate broad access to government data.
  6. Implement good regulatory practices for Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPs) measures.
  7. Modernize customs for the digital era.
  8. Support supply chain transparency.
  9. Protect intellectual property and international investment.
  10. Use international standards to avoid non-tariff barriers.
  11. Foster trust in the digital ecosystem via best-in-class cybersecurity practices.

Kosmos Energy Opens The KIC Incubation Hub In Accra

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kosmos Energy, Andy Inglis, accompanied by Country Manager, Joe Mensah, and Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, on Wednesday, October 2, 2019, officially opened the Kosmos Innovation Centre Incubation Hub in Accra.

The hub is a 3,053 square meters multipurpose facility with co-working spaces and training rooms with the capacity to host about 20-25 startups from the KIC agritech challenge and serves as a springboard into the entrepreneurship world. It will also allow companies to scheduled sessions with coaches and mentors.

“Kosmos was once a start-up, too. We know what it’s like to see an opportunity, pursue a dream, and build a business.” Andy Inglis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kosmos Energy noted while delivering his remarks. He added that Kosmos Energy’s interest in Ghana is beyond just oil exploration, but to create economic opportunities as well.

Deputy Minister of Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, commended Kosmos for the initiative. “I do not doubt that the many people the centre is turning out are going to take strategic positions in the Agric sector of our country and help to revolutionize and modernize agriculture to contribute to the growth of our economy,” the Minister added. He also urged beneficiaries of the programme to pass on their knowledge to others.

Country Manager of Kosmos Energy Ghana and AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, charged entrepreneurs under the KIC incubation management program to make the best out of the newly built edifice.

“Yes they will have access to experts in the field and a pool of knowledge to shape their business, but one key thing is the opportunity to learn from each other and shape their businesses with personal experiences,” he said.

Kosmos Energy through the Kosmos Innovation Centre has so far created nineteen startups and with an investment of over $300,000 in seed capital.

The Kosmos Innovation Center inspires entrepreneurship by training participants to see opportunities that others miss, give them the confidence to view themselves as entrepreneurs not employees and job creators instead of job seekers. They do this by delivering a best-in-class leadership and entrepreneurship program.

They all out by providing a full life-cycle of support to the most promising entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. They do it through tailored coaching, skills building, expert mentorship, seed funding, and facilitating connections within and across industries.

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AmCham Ghana Meet With Pyxera Global and Jaipur Rugs To Discuss The Future Of Weaving In Ghana

AmCham Ghana met with Pyxera Global and Jaipur Rugs to discuss opportunities in Ghana’s weaving industry and means to promote and preserve craftsmanship in the sector, and also connect it to the global supply chain under the African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative.

Under-resourced artisan communities face constant challenges that pose a significant risk to their long-term stability. They confront the impacts of globalization, climate change, and technological advances.

Specifically, communities of weavers across the African continent are under threat. While woven fabric holds with its cultural identity and connection, local demand for these cloths are in significant decline, and demand for high-quality woven fabrics within the countries where they are produced is extremely low today, not in small part because of low-cost Chinese imports or other machine-produced and less expensive options.

To address the challenges faced by weaving communities while taking advantage of the rising global demand for artisan products, the African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative (AACEE) partners – AmCham Ghana,  PYXERA Global Ghana, Association of Ghana Industries,  and Jaipur Rugs, propose a highly unusual approach—the replication or adaptation of the framework of a scaled handicraft enterprise in India to Africa.

This broad effort seeks to transform weaving communities from producers of handicrafts into hubs of entrepreneurial excellence. Beginning in Ghana and Ethiopia, weavers in the AACEE program will participate in skilling activities, receive contracts for the delivery of specific woven products, and be linked into high-value global supply chains.

Jaipur Rugs is a 40-year-old, fully-scaled artisan enterprise that works with 40,000 women weavers in India, as well as with entrepreneurs across the rug supply chain, and with luxury handicraft
buyers in dozens of countries. Jaipur Rugs will serve as a knowledge partner, sharing their proven model for scale, as well as insights and connections to potential retail and wholesale export markets.

Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana, Simon Madjie, assured that the chamber is ready and will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the  African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative.

 

AmCham Ghana President Meets Pamela Ward, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs & Regional Commercial Officer Sub-Saharan Africa

AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, met with Pamela Ward, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs & Regional Commercial Officer Sub-Saharan Africa.

They discussed improving America’s involvement in the development of Ghana and means to further improve direct trade between the two nations by making it easier for traders and supplier to source directly from the United States.

Also discussed at the meeting was making investing in Ghana attractive to the diaspora.  According to Joe Mensah, the diaspora must get involved. “We all need to engage, and when we find something wrong, we all find means to solve it.” He added.

The President of the chamber also shared with Pamela Ward,  some of the chamber’s advocacy activities aimed at policy formulation and change to improve the business climate in Ghana.

Pamela Ward has over twenty years of experience supporting U.S. business in international markets as a Foreign Commercial Officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Also present at the meeting were AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, and Hannah Kamenetsky, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Accra.

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AmCham Ghana Business Reception With 2019 African Green Revolution Forum Delegates

AmCham Ghana, under the auspices of the U.S. Ambassador and the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, hosted selected delegates of the just ended 2019 African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) for a business reception.

The reception which was hosted at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana allowed AmCham Ghana members to interact with the selected delegates, share ideas and establish relations for possible future collaborations.

The AGRF is considered the world’s most important and impactful forum for African agriculture, pulling together stakeholders in the agricultural landscape to take practical actions and share lessons that will move African agriculture forward.

Since the first AGRF was held in Ghana in 2010, the Forum has annually brought together Heads of State, Ministers, business leaders, development partner leadership, researchers, thought leaders, farmer organization representatives, youth entrepreneurs, and other critical stakeholders to focus on the actions and policies needed to move the continental agenda forward.