AmCham Ghana Business Breakfast With National Black MBA Association

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana on Friday, February 22, 2019, hosted members of the National Black MBA Association(NBMBAA) for a Business Breakfast engagement at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra. The event was organized in collaboration with the Ghana International Chamber of Commerce.

The National Black MBA Association is in Ghana for their 2nd  annual trade mission excursion. This Mission is to expose African Americans to the current African culture and the various investment opportunities across the continent; consequently potentially diversifying and growing their investment portfolios.

President of the Chamber, Joe Mensah in his opening remarks shared his experience when he returned home from the United States to open an IBM office in Ghana. He also said out of an experience, the agricultural sector is a viable business sector to invest in. He encouraged members of the National Black MBA Association to consider investing in that sector.

Jese Tyson, the President of the NBMBAA said throughout the trip, participants were exposed to the culture and life in both countries through guided activities, along with an opportunity for participants to give back. He added that their ongoing commitment to promote bilateral trade relationships have seen the association assist companies in finding overseas partners, license technology and aid in international growth.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant, who was also a speaker at the event encouraged the diaspora business community to take advantage of Ghana’s stable socioeconomic and competitive environment to partner their Ghanaian counterparts.

He added that members of the NBMBAA have come at a very instructive time, where the country has position itself to lead the economic emancipation of the continent of Africa.

The African American community is estimated to have a collective buying power of $1.3 trillion. This Matilda Arhin, the President of the Ghana International Chamber of Commerce believes can be leveraged to drive development on the African Continent.

“Every year the members spend $400 million on tourism, hence if these people are invited to return home, some for holidays and others to invest it will greatly improve on the sector,” she added.

President of the National Black MBA Association presented a special edition book on the association to Joe Mensah, President of AmCham Ghana for the support he has rendered the association over the years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The National Black MBA® Association was conceived in 1970 to help Blacks coming into the corporate sector, largely for the first time, share experiences and insights to help make the journey easier. By nurturing these new professionals, the organization helped early members navigate and, ultimately, succeed in unfamiliar and frequently challenging environments and have risen up and reached back to bring up the next generation of Black professionals through providing coaching, guidance and mentoring.

[unitegallery amcham_e2019]

AmCham Ghana Board Meets With New U.S. Ambassador To Ghana

On February 12, 2019, the President and Board Members of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana met with the United States Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan.

The meeting was to officially introduce the AmCham Ghana Board to the Ambassador and also interact for the first time since she presented her credentials to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on January 23, 2019.

They had further discussions on how the Chamber and the Embassy can collaborate to strengthen U.S Ghana relations in the areas of commerce and tourism. According to the Ambassador, much as she is interested in seeing more U.S business coming into Ghana, she also wants to see more Americans visiting Ghana for leisure.

The Ambassador also stated she plans to work with AmCham in selling Ghana’s potentials to drive commerce and tourism for mutual benefits.

Ambassador Sullivan served as Chief of Operations for the Africa Region of Peace Corps from 1994 to 96, as well as a role as Political Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. Most recently, she was the Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, after having been Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central African Affairs and Security Affairs since January 2017.

Ms. Sullivan served as the Political Chief in Accra, Ghana (1997-2001) and as management, consular, and political officer in Douala and Yaoundé, Cameroon (1986-1988). Other Washington assignments include desk officer for Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in the Bureau of African Affairs (1991-93) as well as post management and human resources positions supporting colleagues in Africa, Europe, and the Western Hemisphere.

[unitegallery 19meet1]

GKH Limited Joins AmCham Ghana

GKH Limited,  a fully owned Ghanaian firm established in 2016, is now a member of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana. The company is based and headquartered in Ghana, with its administrative office in the capital city, Accra.

GKH offers agency, account and distributor management services and distributorship for multinational brands. They also offer business and market development services to multinational companies with a focus on market entry and route to market strategies, agency/distributor as well as key account management as its core activity and process improvement solutions using the Six Sigma methodology in reviewing operational inefficiencies.

The company is managed by a team with expertise in Business Development, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and Operations Management.

GKH limited has the vision to become a top trusted company that supports business and market development, process improvement and project management activity in West Africa and on a mission to provide advisory services on market entry and market development strategies for targeted products at West Africa customers and also help businesses improve internal processes focused on improving customer satisfaction. Learn more

 

Contact:

Email: george.haizel@gkkhlimited.com
Loc: No. 3 Candle Street Adenta, Accra, Ghana
Tel: +233-20-822-3267

Emergent Technology Joins AmCham Ghana As Platinum Members

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana is pleased to announce Emergent Technology as our new member. The pre-eminent payments provider joined AmCham Ghana as a Platinum Member.

Emergent Technology Holdings LP (“EmTech”), a global financial technology company in 2018 acquired Interpay Limited. The acquisition extends the operations of EmTech’s digital payments business, Emergent Payments®, a local payments provider.

Eighty-five percent of the world’s population reside in emerging markets. To access these markets, Emergent Technology believes that there is a need for strong local payment solutions and efficient and reliable finance infrastructure.

Emergent Payments is the pre-eminent payments provider for digital merchants expanding into high-growth markets. They are the only company with full payments coverage in all major emerging regions – Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.

They deliver total solutions for large digital merchants in over 55 high-growth countries. With deep local market penetration and sophisticated FX, repatriation, tax and regulatory expertise, Emergent Payments offers an unparalleled market solution and superior customer service.

They are proud of their technology. With a single integration, they give digital merchants access to hundreds of local payment methods around the world. Learn more…

 

Contact:

 No.5 North Ridge Close 4th Block
PMB CT 121, Accra, Ghana

REDAVIA Solar Power | AmCham Member Of The Month

REDAVIA Solar Power, an industry leader in solar power is our Member of the Month for January. They are experts in agro-foods processing, manufacturing, mining, as well as service infrastructure, hospitality & real estate, communities and utilities.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, REDAVIA serves its customers through local offices that help them deeply understand local challenges and establish fitting affordable, clean energy solutions.

The company opened its Ghana office in July 2017 and has since then delivered German-engineered technology at the heart of its containerized, easy to deploy solar farms. REDAVIA, through its Academy, ensures an ongoing knowledge transfer around renewable solar power to Ghanaian students and professionals with the aim to equip current and future generations with all relevant know-how.

In comparison to independent power producers, which typically demand around 20 years, fixed power purchase agreements, REDAVIA offers greater operational flexibility for their customers while also mitigating the risk for their funders. In addition, their approach allows them to provide customers with more consistent system quality, faster delivery, and simpler regulatory processes.

REDAVIA’S solution seamlessly integrates into existing power infrastructures, supplementing grid-connected power and/or diesel generators, using batteries when economic.

According to the company’s CEO,  Erwin Spolders, the decision to expand their presence in West Africa was a logical step in their business growth strategy and gives them the ability to serve their customers and prospects locally.

In 2018, REDAVIA signed an agreement with  Special Ice, a manufacturing company in the beverage industry in Ghana to deploy nine solar units and a total of 756 kWp to the Special Ice factory in the Oyarifa district in Accra.

At REDAVIA, they aim to significantly increase access to clean energy for businesses and households globally and at the same time uphold absolute integrity and maintain the highest standards in health and safety.

Click here for Company Overview and more at www.redaviasolar.com

Contact REDAVIA Ghana Asset Ltd. at

19 Kofi-Annan Street
Airport Residential Area Accra
Accra GA/R, Ghana
phone: +233 (0) 307 002 054

AmCham Host Students From The State University of New York at Buffalo

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana hosted some students from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) on Monday, 14th January 2019 as part of the University’s Social Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. During the meeting, the students from UB had the privilege of interacting with AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, some business executives from AmCham member companies and senior officials of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre on the business environment in Ghana.

The students comprised medical and non-medical students, shared their experiences concerning their trip to various parts of the country focusing on their activities in health, economic development, business and sanitation among others.

Addressing the students at the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Joe Mensah noted that Ghana’s peaceful political atmosphere makes it a very attractive destination in West Africa for investors all over the world. He also noted that the common language (English) and similarity of laws of Ghana and many western countries makes Ghana even more attractive to investors.

According to him, the Government of Ghana, through its Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda, seeks to make the country self-sufficient. He however lamented the decline in the contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP in the country over the years but was optimistic of the progress being made in the sector in recent years. He commended the educational system of Ghana as being highly competitive and producing a highly skilled workforce and reiterated that Ghana is a good place to do business.

Representatives of the students from both the medical and non-medical fields gave an overview of the various activities they had undertaken in the country which included: running health clinics, visiting a number of businesses and market centers and tourist attractions. According to them, the experience which they described as invigorating also gave them an understanding of emerging trends in the Ghanaian economy.

An important issue that was raised by the students during the meeting was how to manage business and ethics in Ghana. Some members of the Chamber present at the event noted that whiles corruption and leadership has been the bane of Africa and Ghana for that matter, businesses needed to stick with their principles, resist the urge to give in to corrupt practices and clearly define their brand to represent what they stand for. They added that, although it is not easy to fight corruption in the business environment in the country, some of them have persevered over the years.

The students also highlighted accessibility to healthcare, low level of education especially among women, infrastructure, protocols involved in transactions, corruption, lack of funding, limited number of doctors in rural areas, brain drain, and waste management as some of the challenges they observed in the country. The executives of AmCham encouraged the students to contribute to finding solutions to the challenges identified.

Chamber executives also noted that the presence of mentors to orient investors on the business and cultural environment in Ghana provides an opportunity for students and Ghanaian expatriates to do business in Ghana. They challenged the students to identify opportunities in the gaps they have identified in the country and propose suitable solutions to help bridge them.

[unitegallery 2019Event2]

Report : AmCham Breakfast Meeting To Discuss 2019 Economic Outlook

On Thursday, January 10th, 2019, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana held its maiden breakfast meeting on the theme “2019 Economic Outlook” at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. The objective of the meeting was to provide its members with critical information about the 2019 Budget Statement of the Government of Ghana as well as how other policy developments will impact the business environment.

Mr. Joe Mensah, President of AmCham Ghana, in his opening remarks, stated that the Chamber organized the meeting in collaboration with PwC to enable members to understand the economic outlook of the country, the new tax rules and regulations, and its implications on the business environment. According to him, it would help the Chamber progress in a positive direction and also strengthen its advocacy role to enable the government to move the economy in the right direction.

2019 Economic Outlook by Abeku Gyan-Quansah, Partner, Tax, PwC

The economy of Ghana is expected to record a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 7.6% with the oil sector expected to drive growth, an end-of-year target inflation of 8% and a nominal GDP growth of about 15-16% according to the 2019 budget.

Meanwhile, the government expects to raise an anticipated revenue of GHS 58 billion against its intended expenditure of GHS 73.4 billion which will result in a deficit. About 77% (GHS 45 billion) of the entire government revenue is expected to be generated from taxes which comprises: taxes from income and property, goods and services and international trade. To achieve this revenue target will require more drastic tax and revenue measures and a drive towards compliance by the government given that the Ghanaian economy is largely informal. Also, the new Fiscal Responsibility Act requires that the Minister of Finance does not exceed a budget deficit of 5% except in exceptional circumstances. This implies that businesses will have to pay critical attention to tax regulations and ensure compliance as government will strictly pursue revenue mobilization.

The government has already outlined a number of tax measures under the various tax components. Under income and property tax, the government intends to increase the top marginal band to 30%, convert the mining sector exemption into equity, increase tax free band (tax wage earners that earn above the minimum wage), shift withholding tax in small scale mining from its current point to export, grant tax holidays to businesses under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative and effectuate housing tax concessions.

Tax measures on goods and services as well as international trade will include the introduction of tax stamps on textiles, zero-rating Value Added Tax (VAT) on locally manufactured textiles for three years to make the local textile industry more competitive and attractive and granting of tax exemptions to 1D1F enterprises and electric vehicles.

To improve domestic revenue mobilization, the government plans to intensify tax compliance by simplifying tax payment, reforming Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enhance its performance, carrying out distress actions and prosecuting offenders.

Government will expand the tax base of the country by deploying Nation Builders Corps (NABCO) officers to assist GRA officers in revenue mobilization, deepening digitization and encouraging all Ghanaians to register for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) without which one cannot undertake a number of transactions in the country. Businesses must ensure their systems are properly updated to include the TIN of people they deal with.

Members of the Chamber were further educated on the TIN and the annual tax requirements to enable them to be compliant to tax regulations in the country in order to avoid the penalties and reputational damages they could face for defaulting their tax payment which could negatively affect their businesses.

Members also asked questions concerning the possible consequences the economy will face should the minister of finance exceed the 5% deficit, the complexity of expanding the tax base in the country, the need for the TIN and file numbers, relevance of money paid by informal sector businesses to government agencies and the availability of training programmes to educate members on how to file individual returns.

Mr. Joe Mensah during his concluding remarks acknowledged that the presentation was very insightful and thanked PwC for their support for the Chamber over the years. He noted that 2019 will be a great year for the Chamber and urged members of the Chamber to support each other to help drive American companies forward and fight corruption in the country.

Documents 

1. 2018 Tax Facts and Figures document and 
https://www.pwc.com/gh/en/assets/pdf/2018-tax-facts-and-figures-gh.pdf
 
2. 2019 Budget Highlights document 
https://www.pwc.com/gh/en/assets/pdf/2019-budget-highlights.pdf

 

[unitegallery 2019Event1]

Addison Bright Sloane is now an AmCham Ghana Member.

Addison Bright Sloane has joined the Chamber as a Platinum Member.  They have a reputation for providing an outstanding legal service. The firm delivers clear and practical advice to meet their clients’ needs and commercial objectives.

Addison Bright Sloane, founded by two legal giants, Philip Addison and Vickie Bright, with a total of over 55 years’ experience is an exciting entrant into the Ghanaian legal market.

They can help you expand or consolidate your business into Ghana and the rest of Africa and navigate your way through the often complex regulations and environment underpinning business in Ghana and other parts of Africa.

Their team is bright, globally minded, straight talking, dedicated and down to earth.

The firm’s practice areas include Anti-Bribery and Corruption; Banking and Finance; Dispute Resolution; Data Protection and Privacy Learn more…

Location

20A Akosombo Road, Ambassadorial Enclave, Airport Residential Area, Accra – Ghana

 

Contact

+233 (0) 3009 – 71501

+233 (0) 3009 – 71501

Mon-Fri 8am- 5pm / Phones are open 24/7

 

Zeal Environmental Technologies Joins AmCham as Platinum Member

AmCham Ghana is pleased to announce Zeal Environmental Technologies Limited as our new member. The company is the Chamber’s new Platinum Member.

Zeal Environmental Technologies Limited Ghana was founded by Mr. Kwaku Ennin in 1977 to serve emerging and existing  Industrial Commerce by providing them with Corrosive Engineering and Structural Maintenance Services.

Zeal Ghana in the period spanning 1984-2003 went from a relatively small company to become one of the giants in the field of Corrosive Engineering Services serving various Industries in Ghana.

With a combined 35 plus years serving various Industries, the company has now extended coverage to the Oil, Gas and  Marine industries. Zeal Environmental today is one of the premier companies managing environmental waste and waste generated from  OIL & GAS Drilling, both onshore and offshore in  West Africa.

Zeal Environmental’s goal is to provide their clients with the best systems and methods for the processing of Industrial Waste to the extent of reusing the byproducts termed as waste.

It is the companies mission to design, utilize innovative processes and methods of managing Waste Streams of clients whiles preserving the most valuable resource, the environment. With the knowledge that they have as an organization is only as good as the personnel who manage, implement company values and maintain the trust their clients have in them.

Their services include Waste Water Treatment; Oil Water Based Mud and Drill Cuttings Management; Hazardous Material Incineration and Industrial, Medical, Municipal and Mining Waste Stream Management. Learn more

 

Main Office Takoradi Port                                                                                                    MAIN OFFICE :

ZEAL ENVIRONMENTAL                                                                                      +233-31 20 322 153
No.4 Beachmasters Drive                                                                                       +233-31 20 3214
Harbor Access Road                                                                                                General Manager:
Takoradi / Western Region                                                                                    +233-240-075-529
GHANA – WEST AFRICA                                                                                          +233-204-936-745

 

 

 

AmCham Joins AFAM Concept For 9th Beauty Splash Hair Festival

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana on November 27, 2018, joined AFAM Concept for their 9th annual Beauty Splash Hair Festival at the Accra International Trade Fair Center.

AFAM Concept annually partners with local professional hair stylists and educators to organize this exciting hair styling event.

Present at the event was the Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana, Sinon Madjie, Senior Commercial Officer, Hannah Kamenetsky and Ghanian journalist and broadcaster,  Gifty Anti who advised the hair stylists present to act professionally and always treat their clients as an essential part of their business.

Also present were various associations of hairdressers in Ghana and their members, vendors of AFAM Concept products, the executive from AFAM Concept Ghana and Nigeria and other players in the hair and beauty industry.

AFAM Concept is a global company that manufactures hair and skin products for women, men and children all over the world. AFAM Concept is dedicated to making the lives of consumers better by offering a family of beauty brands that provide everyday solutions for their personal care needs.

The AFAM Concept product exhibited included Ossat Naturals, Vitale Olive Oil, Hawaiian Silky Herbal, Leisure Curl, Smooth Organics, Elentee Soy Organics, Organic Hair Energizer, Vitale Pro, Sazzy Botanicals and Hawaiian Silky Argan Oil. The program was organized to exhibit premium hair care brands, provide professional hair care education, discount sales of hair products, display hairstyles and entertain the attendees.