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.

AmCham Ghana Holds 2018 Thanksgiving Dinner Event

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana on Saturday, November 17, 2018, held the 2018 AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner Event at the Lababi Beach Hotel. This year’s event was under the theme; ‘When diplomacy meets business: Strengthening US-Ghana relations to unlock business opportunities.’
The dinner was attended by leaders of the American and Ghanaian business community, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Charles Owiredu, who represented the sector minister. Also present was the Chargé D’affaires (Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana), H.E Christopher J. Lamora, AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan John Kyerematen, Heads of Mission and other Officials of U.S. Mission to Ghana, and a section of AmCham Ghana Members.

The dinner event is held annually to commemorate the American National Thanksgiving Day, network and raise funds for a charity cause. President of the Chamber, Mr. Joe Mensah during his remarks recounted some activities that took place during the year. He mentioned the hosting of a delegation from the U.S. Senate, the visit by U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, and some of the many other events hosted by the Chamber.

“I think we are being recognized as a Chamber to reckon with,” He added whiles thanking Members and all dignitaries present for the support they have rendered the Chamber over the years.

Chargé D’affaires at the U.S. Ghana Embassy, Christopher J. Lamora during his remarks acknowledged the importance of trade and commerce in strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States of America.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Reginal Integration, Hon. Charles Owiredu ‏whiles delivering a speech on behalf of the sector minister acknowledged the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States.

“The economic relations between our two countries have been robust, characterized by several business ventures and exchanges, mostly within the private sector,” the Deputy Minister said.

He also said that the Government is taking all necessary measures to boost the activities of businesses through the creation of an enabling environment with the introduction of appropriate legal and other incentives regimes, which he said are already producing results.

The Chamber used the ceremony to recognize the contributions of some individuals and Members that have helped the chamber in diverse ways in the year 2018.

The Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Alan John Kyerematen was adjudged the Most Outstanding Ghanaian Government Official, for the exemplary support and contribution to the development and promotion of Trade and Investment between Ghana and the United States of America. Jayne Howell, Consular Section Chief, was adjudged the Most Outstanding U.S. Government Official for introducing reforms to facilitate and promote business between the Republic of Ghana and the United States of America.

This year’s Best Member Awards went to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Kosmos Energy Ghana HC, Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited (CONSHIP), Enterprise Group Limited, and Rendeavour (Appolonia Devt. Company Limited).  Kimathi and Partners were also presented with an award of appreciation for being the headline sponsor of the AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner Event for the second consecutive year.

The Assistant Editor of the Graphic Business, Mr. Charles Benoni Okine, was also recognized for his continuous support in championing the course of AmCham Ghana to the benefit of Ghanaian and Unites States’ businesses in the country in the year under review.

Hon. Alan Kyerematen in his acceptance remarks assured Ghanaians and the investor community of the intentions of the government to use this year’s budget statement to strongly revive activities within the economy. He said after using the first two budgets since 2017 to stabilize the economy and place it on the right footing, it was time for a takeoff, adding that “this will happen this year for all to see.”

For a charity cause, the Chamber offered financial support to two charity foundations, an amount of GH¢50,000 was donated to United Way Ghana, a foundation that is providing literacy for young people in inner cities of the country.

Additional GH¢10,000 was also donated to the St. Bakhita Foundations, an orphanage which takes care of vulnerable children, especially females, and provide them with the basic needs to be enrolled in school.

The 2018 AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving Dinner Event was sponsored by Kimathi and Partner (Headline Sponsors), with support from Delta Air Lines, who provided a Business Class Ticket for auction and a photo booth provided by TopDog  Africa.

[unitegallery 18thanksgiving]

OTC 2019 | Ghana Pavilion Launched.

The Ghana pavilion for 2019 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) to be held in Houston, Texas from May 6th to May 9th, 2019, has been launched. The pavilions were launched at an event organized by Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited (Conship), at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, November 20, 2019.

Last year, Conship secured Ghana’s first-ever pavilion at the world’s largest gathering of energy professionals with over 10 exhibitors coming from Ghana. The success of last year’s event led to Ghana securing two (2) pavilions for this year’s event.

Addressing companies at the launch,  Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Conship, Mrs. Linda Vasnani, said the “impressive turnout of companies last year has compelled us to find a bigger venue, located in a more strategic position, to enhance the visibility of our companies at the event”.

“The turnout was very good. We received information that that was the largest Ghanaian turnout in the history of the OTC,” she added.

Mrs. Vasnani said the birth of the Ghana Pavilion had put Ghana on the oil and gas industry map, adding: “We also received a lot of visitors from the Malaysian and the South African pavilions and other companies. It was surprising to note that some of the oil and gas related companies didn’t even know that Ghana was drilling oil and so that was an eye-opener for a lot of companies and that is why we urge all other companies to fully leverage on the opportunity.”

According to her, the event exceeded “our expectations. We received a lot of support from the exhibitors, the commercial services of the American Embassy, the Ministry of Energy and the American Chamber of Commerce. Foreign companies also showed their interest and support”.

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters.

Celebrating 50 years since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston. OTC has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, and OTC Asia.

AmCham Ghana Exec. Sec. Simon Madjie in a group photograph with Mrs. Linda Vasnani, Mr. Chris Wilmot and Mr. Frank Ansong at the launch.

All exhibitors are recommended to register with the U.S. Commercial Service to enjoy the full benefits as Ghana’s delegation.

For more information, kindly contact Abdul-Aziz Anyang at abdul-aziz.ayang@trade.gov

[unitegallery pavilion1]

AmCham Ghana Hosts Ian Steff, Asst. Secretary for Global Markets & Director General of U.S Commercial Service

On Thursday, November 8, 2018, AmCham Ghana under the auspices of the U.S. Commercial Service, Ghana, hosted a dinner with Ian Steff, Asst. Secretary for Global Markets & Director General of U.S Commercial Service. The event was at the Accra Marriott Hotel.

Ian Steff is in Ghana to follow up on the MoU signed between United States President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business In Africa (PAC-DBIA) and the Government of Ghana in July 2018. He is in to have further talks with the Ghanaian Government on the implementation of the MoU.

In his remarks, Ian Steff stated that there is a lot of optimism among U.S. companies and investors are impressed with the new reforms being implemented by the Ghanaian government. The question now, he said is “how these reforms will take the deal to the finish line.”  He called for certainty on these reforms.

“No one company, no one individual can solve the issues we have. We need to dialogue,” Ian Steff added. He said there needs to be consensus in strengthening trade relations between Ghana and the United States.

Ian Steff also commended the Chamber and stakeholders involved in organizing the maiden AmCham U.S – Ghana Business Forum in July 2018, stating the importance of these face-to-face meetings and their relevance to improving the investment environment and further strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

According to EY Global’s 2018 Africa Attractiveness report, United States businesses and investors made more foreign direct investments (FDI) in Africa than counterparts from any other country last year. Overall, African countries saw FDI number rise by 6% to 718 projects up from the previous year’s 676.

U.S. companies are interested in investing in Ghana, according to Ian Steff; U.S. investors have expressed interest in the areas of health, energy, agriculture, transportation, and other vital sectors. He stated that the United States’ commitment to Ghana is for the long term. He also called for honest conversations on trade barriers.

H.E Christopher J. Lamora, Chargé D’affaires (Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana), stated in his remarks that the embassy is ready and willing to work with stakeholders to promote U.S. trade in Africa, project the positive aspects of Ghana and why investors should invest in the country.

H.E Lamora also said the embassy is positioning itself to be the go to place for investors seeking to invest in the country.

[unitegallery dinner1]

Medtronic Africa Pty Limited | AmCham Member Of The Month.

Our member of the month for October is Medtronic Africa Pty Limited. Medtronic has been in existence for more than 30 years and offer therapies that treat nearly 70 conditions, including some of the world’s most challenging chronic diseases — like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease. With the integration of Covidien as their Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, they can address the healthcare needs of more people around the world than ever.

The company’s mission is to contribute to human welfare by application of biomedical engineering in the research, design, manufacture, and sale of instruments or appliances that alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Also, to strive without reserve for the greatest possible reliability and quality in their products; to be the unsurpassed standard of comparison and to be recognized as a company of dedication, honesty, integrity, and service.

Medtronic has a legacy of innovation and unique position as the world’s largest medical technology company which allows them to play a central role in transforming healthcare in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa. They are also collaborating with new partners in new ways to create new innovations — ones that add both clinical and economic value. So that tomorrow, even more people can get the affordable care they need.

They believe everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. The company also know that they lack the appropriate innovations to reach billions of patients who do not have access to their therapies and services. Designing innovative healthcare-access solutions in resource-limited settings requires a fundamentally different approach.

Formalized in 2016, Medtronic Labs is a distinct business within Medtronic that maximizes social impact alongside financial sustainability. Medtronic Labs designs healthcare delivery service models with and for underserved communities that integrate digital and product technologies across the patient care continuum. To amplify their impact and reach scale, they partner with local tech entrepreneurs, healthcare providers, NGOs, governments, and other stakeholders. Learn more…