AmCham Ghana Hosts Consultative Meeting with Lamons LLC

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, convened a consultative meeting with Lamons LLC on June 4, 2024, to foster collaboration and explore opportunities in mining and trade. This gathering served as a platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions and introductions, with a focus on leveraging partnerships for mutual benefit. Representatives from both U.S. and Ghanaian companies highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving economic growth and development, with upcoming events like the WAMPEX ( West African Mining Exhibition) presenting opportunities for showcasing capabilities and forging new alliances.

In the meeting, the significance of the Chamber’s role in facilitating international trade relations and protecting the interests of U.S. companies and investors. Discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation in mining sectors, including mineral mining and manufacturing, with a shared commitment to seizing opportunities for advancement and promoting mutual prosperity. The event underscored the Chamber’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships that drive economic growth and contribute to developing Ghanaian and American business landscapes.

Additionally, valuable insights were shared by prominent entities such as PwC, the US Embassy Commercial Service, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, as well as mining and legal experts. Their contributions further enriched the discussions and provided valuable prospect information, enhancing the prospects for fruitful collaborations and advancements in the mining and trade sector

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AmCham Ghana Leaders Honoured At OTC 2024

AmCham Ghana President Kimathi Kuenyehia, former President Joe Mensah, and the Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Simon Madjie, were honored at this year’s Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, for their impactful contributions to the organization of the OTC’s Africa Focus Technical Programs on the Around the World Series.

The Around the World Series, launched at the 50th anniversary of the OTC in 2019, serves as a platform for presenting the latest insights from heads of institutions and industry executives representing various countries, including those from Africa. This series also allows industry leaders to deliberate on new licensing, business prospects, and recently introduced technologies.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana has been at the forefront of organizing the Africa events to highlight Africa’s oil and gas sector and share best practices, technical innovations, energy transition, and emerging trends through collaborations with institutions in the country and across the continent.

Other awardees included Egbert Faibille Jnr, CEO, Petroleum Commission, Solomon Tamakloe, CEO, USA-GHATEX INT. LLC, Theophilus Ahwireng, Managing Director, MODEC Production, Services Ghana JV Limited, Amb. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, OPEC Governor for Nigeria, Adejumoke Oyedun, MD/CEO, Acme Services Limited, Roger Brown, Managing Director/CEO, Seplat Energy PLC, Nigeria, Gbite Falade, Managing Director/CEO, Aradel Holdings Plc, Nigeria, Mahi Kane, President, American Chamber of Commerce in Sénégal, and Henry Ansah, Executive Secretary, Ghana-Houston Chamber of Commerce.

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. Since 1969, OTC’s flagship conference has been held annually at NRG Park (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston.

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Jazz And Whisky Affair 2024

On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, the synergy of commerce and culture came alive as the American Chamber of Commerce-Ghana (AMCHAM), UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), and Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) joined forces to celebrate International Jazz Day 2024 at Wan-Shi Gardens in Asylum Down. This highly anticipated event brought together professionals, culture aficionados, and whisky enthusiasts under one roof for an unforgettable evening. Amidst the enchanting melodies of jazz, attendees immersed themselves in meaningful conversations, expanding their networks beyond the borders of AmCham Ghana. This deliberate step towards fostering international business relations underscored the commitment of all chambers involved to bridge cultural divides and promote economic collaboration. Moreover, the ceremony recognized new members who recently joined the chambers, highlighting their dedication to advancing commerce and enriching cross-cultural exchange.

Amidst the captivating rhythms of jazz, guests indulged in a sensory journey that extended beyond music. The evening featured a tantalizing whisky tasting experience, courtesy of Johnny Walker, where connoisseurs savored the complex flavors and aromas of fine spirits. Complementing the whisky offerings were various refreshing beverages from esteemed sponsors like Voltic, Coca-Cola, and Tampico, ensuring that every palate found its perfect match. From the crisp purity of Voltic water to the effervescent joy of Coca-Cola and the tropical delights of Tampico, each sip added a new dimension to the festivities. As glasses were raised in toasts of camaraderie and collaboration, it became clear that this event was not just about business—it was a celebration of the finer things in life, shared among friends, old and new.

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AmCham – Delta International Women’s Day Event 2024

On March 27, AmCham Ghana, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, organized the International Women’s Day High Tea Event, featuring Laurie Kelleher and Ayesha Bedwei Ibe, an esteemed leader with over 23 years of expertise in finance and accounting, currently serving as PwC’s global people leader in tax and legal services. Ayesha’s address provided a profound exploration of the contemporary challenges faced within the business realm, emphasizing the transformative power of creativity, empathy, and continuous self-improvement. Drawing from her extensive experience, Ayesha highlighted the shifting dynamics of the business landscape, stressing the need for innovation and adaptability in the face of evolving market trends and consumer behaviors.

 

Her speech resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to embrace change and think innovatively to overcome obstacles. Additionally, Ayesha underscored the importance of understanding people’s perspectives and motivations, asserting that empathy and support are vital components for fostering meaningful connections and driving personal growth. Through her insightful discourse, Ayesha left a lasting impression, encouraging individuals to navigate the complexities of modern business with resilience, compassion, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Drawing from her own experiences, Ayesha highlighted the shifting dynamics of the business world, where traditional methods of revenue generation are no longer sufficient. She emphasized the need for innovation and adaptability, urging attendees to embrace change and think outside the box. Moreover, Ayesha underscored the importance of understanding people and their motivations, noting that empathy and support are key to fostering meaningful connections and personal growth. Ayesha’s message extended beyond the professional realm to include insights on maintaining authenticity, particularly for women in male-dominated industries. She debunked stereotypes and encouraged individuals to be comfortable with themselves, whether embracing femininity or challenging conventional norms.

 

Throughout her speech, Ayesha emphasized the value of continuous self-improvement and the desire to evolve into the best version of oneself. She encouraged attendees to strive for greatness and to approach life with resilience and an openness to change. Following Ayesha’s enlightening talk, attendees engaged in an interactive activity called “Mint Busters,” aimed at challenging and dispelling stereotypes about women in the workplace. This activity fostered collaboration and sparked meaningful discussions about breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. In addition to Ayesha’s insights, Laurie Kelleher, another speaker, shared valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of the modern business environment. Her contribution added depth to the discussion, highlighting different approaches to achieving success and fulfillment. Lastly, Jane Okyere-Aduachie delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the event and inspiring attendees to continue their journey of growth and empowerment.

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U.S. State of Illinois 2024 Trade Mission to Ghana

From March 10 to 13, 2024, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana, hosted delegates from the U.S. State of Illinois for a transformative two-day event. This event comprised a focused business-to-business networking session and a prestigious reception with Chamber members, both designed to forge meaningful connections and foster collaboration between U.S. and Ghanaian enterprises.

The intensive business-to-business networking session served as a platform for delegates to engage directly with local businesses, exchange ideas, and explore potential partnership opportunities. Through facilitated discussions and interactive sessions, participants delved into key sectors such as technology, healthcare, real estate, and personal care products, uncovering synergies and laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

Moreover, the reception with Chamber members provided an exclusive opportunity for delegates to interact with influential stakeholders within the Ghanaian business community. Attendees had the chance to network with industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from various sectors, enhancing mutual understanding and building trust between U.S. and Ghanaian entities.

Click the link to watch: https://bit.ly/3IQ03dq

This initiative not only facilitated business matchmaking but also facilitated knowledge exchange and capacity building. Delegates from Illinois shared insights on best practices, market trends, and regulatory frameworks, while also gaining valuable insights into the unique business environment of Ghana. Such exchanges of expertise and experience are invaluable for fostering long-term partnerships and driving sustainable economic growth.

Furthermore, the collaborative efforts of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana underscore the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing economic development initiatives. By leveraging the strengths and resources of both governments and the private sector, these partnerships can catalyze innovation, facilitate investment, and create opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

As Africa’s e-commerce market continues to evolve and expand, events like these play a crucial role in connecting businesses and unlocking new opportunities for growth. By fostering dialogue, fostering collaboration, and fostering partnerships, we can build a brighter future for all stakeholders in the global economy.

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SelectUSA Investment Breakfast Briefing 2024

The SelectUSA Investment Breakfast Briefing was organized by the US Embassy in Ghana and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Tuesday March 5 aimed to promote investment opportunities in the United States to Ghanaian entrepreneurs and businesses.

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AmCham Ghana Welcome Reception

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Thursday, February 7, 2024, hosted members for the 2024 Welcome Reception at the Chamber’s secretariat in Accra.

This annual networking event provides a platform for members to establish new connections, unwind, and engage in discussions concerning potential business prospects for the forthcoming year. It offers a unique opportunity for attendees to network, socialize, and expand their professional horizons.

The event is designed to foster a conducive environment where participants can interact with other industry professionals and create new business relationships.

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AmCham Ghana Holds Consultative Meeting on Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Products

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Friday, January 26, 2024, held a consultative meeting with Member companies at the Chamber’s secretariate to ascertain the impact the proposed Export and Import (Restriction on the Importation of Selected Strategic Products) Regulation, 2023, will have on their businesses.

According to the government of Ghana, this regulation aims to establish an import-permitting regime that can be used as a mechanism to regulate the quantities or volumes of Selected Strategic Products that would be allowed to be imported into the country.

The regulation aims to protect local manufacturers from undue competition from subsidized imported products and create a market opportunity to support their growth and sustainability. However, the regulation will pose challenges to the ease of doing business.

For instance, as a result of the kind of products listed for restriction, the new regulation could significantly impact the cost of operations for some companies as these products serve as raw materials. The new regulation could also cause undue delays that affect the operations of local companies.

This consultative engagement aimed to create a unified stance by AmCham Ghana on the proposed legislation, in addition to individual inputs submitted via the government portal.

AmCham Ghana And The University At Buffalo School Of Management To Collaborate On Research And Development

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, had an engagement with the Faculty Director, Global Programs, and Director of the Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness at the University at Buffalo School of Management (UB), Dorothy Siaw-Asamoah, Ph.D., at the secretariate.

Professor Siaw-Asamoah, accompanied by a delegation of students who are part of their Annual Ghana Trip, met with Simon Madjie, the Executive Secretary of the Chamber, to discuss potential collaboration between the University and the Chamber’s AfCFTA Resource Center. This discourse focused on research projects related to the new continental trade agreement aimed at providing American companies with valuable information and guidance to leverage the AfCFTA and invest in the African continent.

There were also discussions on highlighting the positive impact of American companies on the Ghanaian economy while simultaneously working to correct misconceptions regarding local agricultural practices, thereby facilitating an environment for increased American investment in Ghana.

The Chamber has always hosted visiting students and faculty from the University at Buffalo, and in the interest of advancing education and strengthening technological cooperation between Ghana and the United States, the two organizations seek to further strengthen this partnership to enhance the existing relationship, recognizing the mutual benefits that will be derived from this cooperation.

Also present at the meeting was AmCham Ghana Manager for Membership, External Relations and Project, Jane Okyere-Aduachie.

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About AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is the representative arm of U.S. businesses and subsidiaries voluntarily working to create an environment where business can thrive between Ghanaian and American communities.

AmCham promotes commercial, economic, educational, and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana.

 

About the University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo School of Management is to discover and deepen our understanding of management concepts and applications that drive effective organizations and use them to produce principled and insightful leaders who create positive change in the world.

Season’s Greetings from the Executive Secretary

All too soon, we have come to the end of the year. Although challenging, there were positive moments that we can dwell on while we anticipate a more prosperous new year.

AmCham Ghana expresses gratitude for the blessings, support, and contributions of all members and associates. These efforts were instrumental in helping us navigate through challenging periods and bring to the forefront the various issues faced by businesses in Ghana. Your support has been vital in our quest to leverage the mutually beneficial trade relations between Ghana and the United States to advance trade and investment for prosperity and growth.

The Chamber successfully hosted several events this year, notably the maiden U.S. Ghana Business Expo, which hosted over 800 participants, including the U.S. Department of Commerce-led Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) trade delegation that included 19 companies and six trade associations, and provided a platform for fostering bilateral trade collaborations and economic growth between the United States and Ghana.

We also hosted Ghana’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Kobina T. Hammond, for a luncheon engagement with the Mayor of Houston and his Trade Delegation, as well as hosted a reception in honor of the Trade Delegation from Memphis. We also had an interaction with the President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Reta Jo Lewis, for a discussion on financing options and the current state of the business climate.

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, collaborated with sister organizations to deepen our advocacy efforts at ensuring constant foreign direct investment inflows and improved ease of doing business. These collaborations included our joint event with Prosper Africa and the Corporate Council on “Africa on Leveraging Afreximbank Programs to Expand U.S. Trade and Investment with Africa,” held on the sidelines of the Afreximbank Annual General Meeting in Accra.

We also joined forces with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana to host the AI Forum at the Google AI Research Center to discuss the latest developments in the industry, research, and policy surrounding artificial intelligence.

AmCham Ghana teamed up with member companies and associates, such as Johnson & Johnson, the  AfCFTA Secretariat, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ghana, and the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, to provide networking opportunities for Member companies, advocate for improved mental health care, and to discuss financing investments under the AfCFTA Protocols on Investment and Digital Trade.

I also took an active part in the deliberations at the newly instituted Mutual Prosperity Dialogue hosted under the auspices of Ghana’s Ministry of Finance aimed at understanding the most pressing needs of companies and identifying the constraints that must be addressed to enable the private sector to drive growth.

AmCham Ghana has been vocal on issues of regulation. We advocated for fairness in the implementation of various government policies. The Chamber issued a statement on the recently passed Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2022, calling on the government to consider the impact some of the proposed measures will have on the cost of production, distribution, and sale of products. We also backed AGI’s call on the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to end discrimination in water tariffs.

The Chamber, through the Consultative Meeting of Bilateral Chambers of Commerce, also drew the government’s attention to some issues that threaten the country’s position as a leading and favorable destination for business and investment.

The AmCham Ghana AfCFTA Resource Center also hosted its maiden training session on “Expanding into African Markets” to provide Members with valuable insights into the different aspects of the agreement, enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the new free trade agreement.

We also bid farewell to our immediate past President, Ayesha Bedwei-Ibe, Vice-President Pakwo Shum, Treasurer, Adiki Ayitevie, and Two Board Members, Doris Afanyedey and Sulemana Abubakar. The Chamber appreciates your unwavering commitment and service.

As the old executives departed, the Chamber was honored to welcome the newly appointed executives, including President Kimathi Kuenyehia; Vice-President David Thornton; Treasurer Bethel Yeboah; Board Member Mark Appiah; Board Member Nii Koi Kotey; Board Member Eloina Baddoo, and Board Member Clara Amarteifio.

The Chamber would like to express our sincere gratitude to all member companies who supported and sponsored our various events and activities. We thank all participants, speakers, and stakeholders for their valuable contributions and insights. We are most grateful for your collaboration and look forward to more opportunities to work together.

As the year comes to an end, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana wishes all its members, associates, and their families a joyful season.