Dow Chemical Company | AmCham Member Of The Month

Dow Chemical is AmCham Ghana’s Member of the month for September. Dow Chemical’s growing presence in Africa demonstrates the company’s commitment to deliver industry leadership, technical innovation and expertise – with a focus on sustainability to help transform the region into a key player in the global chemicals industry.

Dow is among the three biggest chemical companies worldwide, with products ranging from plastics and packaging, agriculture, building and construction to oil and gas. The company which had operated in Ghana in the past, pulled out in the 1990s and had relied on intermediaries to reach Ghana’s market.

 

They combine science, understanding, and creativity to re-imagine what is vital to human progress. With thousands of patents and awards, Dow is a global innovation and sustainability leader. Dow is a diverse, inclusive community and together, they can solve anything.

According to Managing Director of Dow West Africa, Tony Groosman, the company is committed to making a contribution to the economic development of Ghana and Africa as a whole. Africa’s economic significance in the global marketplace has been demonstrated by increased political stability, improved economic policy and a growing consumer base all of which offer an advantageous environment for business to thrive.

The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity.

Dow’s diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture.

Johnson and Johnson Ghana to Embark on Mental Health Awareness Campaign

AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie paid a courtesy call on  Johnson & Johnson  Medical at their Ghana office. The visit was to interact with Management on the state of business since the company opened its Ghana office in Match 2017.

Mr. Madjie had several discussions with the Management of Johnson and Johnson, notable is the company’s initiative to create mental health awareness among the corporate world and the general public.  Johnson and Johnson Country Manager, Priscilla Owusu-Sekyere said mental illness appears to be common in the country but receives little to no attention.

According to the Ghana Health Service, about 41 percent of Ghanaians have some psychological disorder. For this reason, Ms. Owusu-Sekyere said mental health demanded more attention than it is getting.

Johnson and Johnson has already been doing some work in the area of mental health, in partnership with Basic Needs, they have donated medicine for mental health disorders and therapeutic techniques through gardening projects; the current gardening project benefits over 150 patients and over 100 care givers.

According Ms. Owusu-Sekyere, the current campaign will focus on schizophrenia, depression and other mental health illnesses.

Johnson & Johnson in Match 2017 announced the expansion of its operations in Africa with the launch of a new office in Accra, Ghana. The company’s new presence has brought together multiple teams representing Johnson & Johnson consumer, medical device, pharmaceutical and global public health (GPH) organizations to deliver an integrated approach to improving health outcomes in the region.

U.S. – Africa Business Center Honors Prez. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo For His Leadership And Commitment to Championing Trade And Investment

September 24, 2018. The U.S. – Africa Business Center honored President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with the 2018 Outstanding Leader’s Award at the U.S. – Ghana Executive Roundtable event held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York, USA.

The President receives this year’s award due to his leadership and commitment to championing trade and investment into Ghana.

Receiving the award, President Akufo-Addo noted that, “it is good to know that advocating for Ghana to opt for a partnership with the rest of the world on the basis of trade and investment co-operation, not aid, has its rewards.”

The President also stated in his acceptance remarks that, the receipt of the award represents a summary of his focus as Ghana’s President, since assuming the reins of office some Twenty-One months ago.

“I have sought not only to strengthen my country’s democratic credentials, but also to help create wealth and provide opportunities for its people,” he added.

Ghana, like most countries in Africa, the President said, is blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources, but has over the years been heavily reliant on the production and export of these natural resources in their raw form.

President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that his government has decided to change this trend, as it is the only way his government can bring wealth to the Ghanaian people, and halt the dynamic of young men and women leaving the country in search of non-existent greener pastures abroad.

The Event also witnessed an MoU signing between the U.S. Chamber and Ghana Investment Promotion Center to drive trade and investment into Ghana.

Stockfox Joins AmCham Ghana

Stockfox, a personalised shipping service provider has joined AmCham Ghana. The company provides personalized shipping solutions, by air and sea, tailored to your specific needs. Their service is excellent for individuals and small to large businesses, as they ship a wide range of package types. You can choose to have your package delivered to your door or pick up from their local office.

Stockfox has a dedicated personnel, ready to assist, support and provide you with the assistance you need to get your packages safely delivered to you. They currently have operations to Ghana out of the United States of America, United Kingdom, China and Dubai.

Their services include Sea Freight, Package Consolidation, Customs Clearing and Delivery, Concierge Services & Personal Shopping, Group Shipping and Stockfox Auto Parts. Click to learn more about them.

Contact:

location
Ghana Airport Cargo Centre,
Suite 311
Airport City
Accra

AmCham Ghana Member | REDAVIA at a Glance

AmCham Ghana Member REDAVIA is the industry leader in rental solar power. They provide rental solar farms to businesses and communities in West and East Africa. With a proven track record in cost-effective, reliable and clean energy, REDAVIA is committed to using solar energy as a key driver for sustainable development.

The innovative REDAVIA pay-as-you-go system consists of a pre-configured system containing solar modules and electrical components. Once the container is on-site, their REDAVIA-trained, local specialists will manage the installation, operations and maintenance of each solar farm.

Their carbon neutral solution can be used to support existing power structures by supplementing the utility grid or on-site diesel generators. Through flexible rental agreement with just a minimal upfront investment, REDAVIA customers can reduce costs and increase their operational flexibility. Learn more

U.S. – GHANA Executive Business Roundtable With H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Following the recent U.S-Ghana Business Forum in Accra, the U.S.-Africa Business Center and AmCham-Ghana are organizing, incollaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), an Executive Business Roundtable on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September this year. The U.S.-Ghana Executive Business Roundtable will be chaired by H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and will serve as a platform to improve the commercial ties between the U.S. and Ghana.

The U.S. and Ghana enjoy a long history of cooperation. With over $1.2 billion in trade volume, the U.S is one of Ghana’s largest trading partners. The U.S.-Ghana Executive Business Roundtable will provide another opportunity for both countries to collaborate on a wide range of sectors, including energy, transport, agriculture, digital economy, industry and finance. The Executive Business Roundtable will gather captains of U.S. industries, with interest in Ghana, to foster partnerships geared towards expanding business activities, trade and investment between both countries. As H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo work towards his Ghana Beyond Aid agenda through initiatives like One Distict, One Factory, opportunities abound for U.S and Ghanaian companies to work together towards achieving the President’s vision for Ghana. Through this roundtable, business leaders from both countries will explore a number of avenues to best contribute to Ghana’s path towards development and prosperity for its people.

The Roundtable will culminate into the signing of an MOU between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, which will be witnessed by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with government officials to discuss issues of common interest and explore new business opportunities. To sustain this effort and improve the commercial relationship between the two countries, the U.S.-Africa Business Center and its partners in Ghana will develop a program of activities, including a Business Forum to be organized every year, alternating venues between Ghana and the United States.

AmCham Meeting With Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative For Africa

September 10, 2018. President of AmCham Ghana, Mr. Joe Mensah, Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie and some Members of the Chamber met with the Deputy Assistant, U.S. Trade Representative for Africa, Bennet Harman.

The roundtable discussion focused on how the U.S. can strengthen its trade with Ghana and the Continent with emphasis on trade facilitation, tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. Specific challenges in the investment environment and the ease of doing business in Ghana were also discussed.

On the impact of U.S. businesses in Ghana, Mr. Joe Mensah said “the U.S. has a lot to offer Ghana and the Continent. U.S. companies have much of what African Governments say they want and need. They operate ethically, they have high quality goods and services, and they prefer to have local talents.” The U.S. should focus on deepening its relationship with Africa, he added.

The Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Africa, Mr. Harman also reiterated the commitment of the U.S. Administration on working with Ghana, when he highlighted the July visit to Ghana by Secretary Ross and members of the PAC-DBIA. He further said that the United States Trade Representative was exploring options of creating Free Trade Agreements with certain Countries on the Continent, as a way to promote the competitive edge for U.S. Companies.

Members present at this private roundtable included representatives from Dow Chemical, Coca- Cola Bottling Company, Kosmos Energy and Cummins Ghana Limited.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries.

Ghana is currently the U.S. 81st largest goods trading partner with $1.6 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2017. Goods exports totaled $860 million; goods imports totaled $750 million. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Ghana was $110 million in 2017.

According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods to Ghana supported an estimated 5 thousand jobs in 2015 (latest data available).

The top U.S. export to Ghana categories (2-digit HS) in 2017 were: vehicles ($198 million), electrical machinery ($126 million), machinery ($106 million), mineral fuels ($89 million), and meat (poultry) ($53 million). The top import from Ghana categories (2-digit HS) in 2017 were: mineral fuels ($426 million), cocoa ($224 million), special other (previously exported item) ($17 million), wood and wood products ($13 million), and rubber ($12 million).

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ghana (stock) was $1.7 billion in 2017, a 14.3% decrease from 2016. There is no information on the distribution of U.S. FDI in Ghana.

W.A.S.P Introduces Managed Print Services

W.A.S.P Limited, a Document Management Services company based in Ghana introduced Managed Print Services in Ghana. W.A.S.P is the only HP accredited Managed Print Service providers in Ghana and their approach allows you to attain tangible business benefit by adopting a strategic print management process.

MPS is an approach which analyses all of your processes and workflow of handling documents. With MPS you can outsource printing functions, whiles still retaining over quality, performance and cost. In a well managed print environment you will improve service and productivity.

MPS simplifies management and improves visibility by providing comprehensive monthly reports that include analysis of performance against service levels, consumables usage, trend in service calls, and recommendations for new or replacement equipment.

Over the past four years, W.A.S.P have successfully implemented a number of transformational projects in both the Public and Private Sectors, and the International Organisation sector.

Managing Director of W.A.S.P, Grant Webber said they firmly believe they are your partner of choice, especially given their market leadership with similar transformational projects.

Ecoalpha Introduces The Seeker Aircraft To The Ghanaian Market

Ecoalpha, a wholly owned Ghanaian aircraft dealership and aviation services provider introduced the Seeker Aircraft in Ghana at an event at the Best Western Premiere Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, August 29 2018.

The Seeker is a versatile, purpose built, light observation aircraft specially designed and developed for quality aerial surveillance. It provides unmatched surveillance specific qualities including its flexibility, maneuverability and visibility when compared to both fixed and rotary wing aircrafts.

The Seeker, a FAA Part 23 Normal Category Certified aircraft, features a side-by-side configured cockpit with helicopter-like visibility. In addition, the Seeker’s high mounted pusher propeller and convenient tail wheel landing configuration make it superior aircraft operation during short take off and landing at austere locations.

All this, coupled with the Seeker’s low operating and acquisition costs make it the most cost-effective surveillance Aircraft on the market today.

This aircraft offers great usability in various organizations and governmental agencies. In an effort to maximize its use, Ecoalpha is looking to partner with companies and governmental agencies interested in quality aerial surveillance. These include but not limited to National Security, Traffic Control, Aerial Mapping, Military Operations, Agriculture, Pipeline and Powerline Inspection, Tourism, ISR Missions, and more.

It is Ecoalpha’s vision to see at least one Seeker in every African country within the next 2 years.

Learn more about the Seeker here 

AmCham Joins Newmont Ghana At Stakeholder Engagement Forum

Newmont Ghana on August 29, 2018 held a Stakeholder Engagement Forum at the Accra Marriott Hotel to share an overview of the corporations operations and dialogue on how the corporation can employ best practices to positively impact the socio-economic lives of people in the communities they operate in.

Newmont Ghana is Ghana’s largest gold producer with a 2018 consolidated production of 435 – 465 Koz and 380 – 410 Koz at the Ahafo and Akyem mines respectively.  These mines were adjudged the best performers in Environmental Management in 2016 with Akyem mines placing first and Ahafo mines coming in second.

Senior Vice President for the Africa region, Alwyn Pretorius said the corporation is operating with a continuous improvement mindset by driving innovation through technology, streamlining production and operational processes, and strengthening business process efficiency.

The Corporation has a competitive advantage through people by providing about 1,953 full time jobs and 3,261 contract jobs. Newmont has 23% of its executive positions occupied by females and supports about 58,000 direct and indirect jobs. Their apprenticeship and learnership programmes also help develop host community talents.

By creating shared value through their operations, Newmont Ghana set up the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation and Newmont Akyem Development Foundation which have contributed $ 25.2 million since 2007 and $7.7 million since 2013 respectively. These funds have been invested into infrastructure and social amenities projects and fund beneficiaries of scholarships.

Newmont Ghana was named the country’s Overall Largest and Best Taxpayer for 2017. The 2017 payments consisted of GHc 264 million in Corporate Income Tax, GHc138 million in Mineral Royalty, GHc 94 million in Pay As You Earn (PAYE), GHc 56 million in Withholding Tax, and GHc16 million in Forestry Levy.