AmCham Meets GNBCC to Drive Joint Advocacy and Bilateral Trade

Last Tuesday, our CEO, Doris Afanyedey, led an AmCham Ghana delegation to a productive meeting with the Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC). She was joined by Jane Okyere Aduachie (Membership & External Relations) and Albert Ludwig (Communications), and the team was warmly received by GNBCC’s General Manager, Hilda Famaey, and HR & Operations Manager, Naana Biney Ohemeng.

 

The session went beyond a typical meeting, becoming a strategic working discussion on how our organizations can better serve our business community together. We examined collaborative efforts to address shared challenges such as tax certainty and enhancing trade for our members, as well as enhancing practical support for companies expanding or establishing operations in Ghana.

With the global shift from aid to trade, both sides emphasized the need to invest in high-value, fee-based services and to create smoother pathways for businesses, connecting them with the right partners to drive sustainable growth.

Breakfast Meeting with the University at Buffalo School of Management on AI in Business

Earlier today, Doris Afanyedey, Chief Executive Officer of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (AmCham Ghana), hosted a breakfast meeting with Professor Ananth Iyer, Dean of the University at Buffalo School of Management, and Dr. Dorothy Siaw-Asamoah, Clinical Associate Professor and Faculty Director of Global Programs. The session convened AmCham Ghana members within the technology and fintech sectors, including Jason Hickey, Senior Research Scientist at Google, alongside representatives from General Electric, Global Media Alliance, eServices Africa, Yellow Card, and Oracle, for a high-level dialogue on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving innovation, operational efficiency, and policy advancement.

Professor Iyer delivered a compelling presentation on the practical integration of AI across industries, anchored on a four-step framework — Extract, Integrate, Analyze, and Innovate. He demonstrated how open-source AI tools can synthesize vast datasets, reports, and multimedia content into actionable insights, streamlining research and decision-making processes. Drawing from real-world applications, he illustrated how AI can optimize productivity in sectors such as agriculture and supply chain management, referencing Ghana’s cocoa value chain and the U.S. government–funded Supply Chain Activation Network, which leverages AI to enhance collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers.

A key highlight of the engagement came from Google’s Senior Research Scientist, Jason Hickey, who announced that all students across Africa will receive free access to Google’s AI Pro platform. This initiative aims to democratize access to advanced AI resources, promote digital literacy, and empower Africa’s next generation of innovators with the skills and tools required to thrive in the evolving digital economy. The announcement was met with enthusiastic commendation from participants, who recognized its potential to accelerate Africa’s participation in global technological advancement.

In her closing remarks, Ms. Afanyedey reaffirmed AmCham Ghana’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships between academia, industry, and government to advance AI adoption, ethical governance, and capacity development. She emphasized that AmCham will continue to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration that enables businesses to harness emerging technologies for sustainable growth. The session concluded with a networking breakfast, generously sponsored by AmCham member KFC Ghana, providing participants with an opportunity to further engage and exchange ideas on collaborative pathways toward a digitally empowered future.

AmCham Ghana Hosts U.S. Institutional Investors for High-Level Dialogues in Accra

AmCham Ghana, in a strategic co-convening capacity with the Institutional Investor Network (IIN), last Wednesday facilitated a high-conviction delegation of U.S.-based institutional Limited Partners (LPs) for a series of granular, closed-door dialogues in Accra. The session was architected to de-risk and catalyze capital allocation into Ghana’s project pipeline, with a strategic focus on the critical minerals value chain and the structuring of bankable, ESG-compliant opportunities.

The convening assembled a cross-functional cohort of public sector stakeholders, General Partners (GPs), and corporates to perform a deep-dive on Ghana’s gold sector reform trajectory and to leverage its nascent downstream processing capabilities, thereby positioning the jurisdiction as a strategic enabler of the global energy transition and tech infrastructure build-out.

Core Vertical Focus and Market Positioning

The discourse was characterized by its focus on alpha generation and strategic market entry. A primary vertical was the critical minerals and technology nexus, where speakers underscored Ghana’s role in the strategic materials supply chain, essential for semiconductor fabrication, energy storage solutions, and compute infrastructure. Mr. Richmond, CEO of Energy Resources Company, provided a granular analysis of the gold sector, emphasizing the significant arbitrage opportunity presented by formalizing the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) segment and creating vertically integrated local champions to capture more of the value-at-stake.

A parallel session on domestic capital mobilization conducted a forensic examination of Ghana’s pension and insurance asset base. The dialogue centered on tactical asset allocation (TAA) shifts, advocating for a strategic overlay to increase weightings in alternatives and listed equities, contingent upon regulatory modernization. The concept of creating multi-jurisdiction, securitized vehicles and exploring asset tokenization was tabled as a mechanism to achieve the requisite scale and liquidity for global capital deployment. A core tension identified was the capacity-policy misalignment, with a call to action for upskilling trustee boards on private market valuation and monitoring, concurrent with a liberalization of offshore remittance limits and concentration thresholds to optimize the efficient frontier for local institutional investors.

Execution Framework and Forward Integration

The forum was explicitly designed as a springboard for capital formation and deal origination. AmCham Ghana is now operationalizing the outputs through a multi-pronged execution framework. This involves the systematic synthesis of key takeaways into an investable opportunity brief, followed by active facilitation of bespoke commercial diplomacy between aligned LPs, GPs, and project sponsors, including coordinating technical site due diligence and regulatory interface. The Chamber will further leverage its convening power to drive sector-specific working groups focused on derisking capital stacks for critical minerals beneficiation and structuring blended finance vehicles to crowd-in domestic pension capital.

The proceedings culminated in a curated investor dinner, fostering high-value, peer-level engagement to translate commercial intent into binding term sheets.

The overarching market signal emanating from the dialogue is that Ghana represents a compelling strategic allocation for investors seeking non-correlated, value-add exposure in a reform-oriented, transparent jurisdiction poised for exponential growth.

For proprietary deal flow access or to engage with the working groups, please contact the AmCham Ghana Secretariat.

Ghana–U.S. Executive Dialogue Strengthens Investment Ties on the sidelines of UNGA 2025

On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (AmCham Ghana), convened a high-level U.S.–Ghana Executive Business Dialogue. The 25th September event was graced by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to creating a more attractive and enabling environment for foreign investment in Ghana.

Renewed Commitment to Investment Reforms

In his remarks, President Mahama underscored reforms designed to open Ghana further to global investors. The comprehensive dialogue covered opportunities in energy, healthcare, mining, technology, and agriculture in Ghana, one of West Africa’s fastest-growing markets. The discussions underscored Ghana’s determination to strengthen U.S. commercial partnerships, with President Mahama reaffirming his campaign message that the country is “open for business.”

He emphasized the removal of minimum capital requirements for foreign entry (except for sectors reserved for Ghanaians), the ongoing digital transformation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to enable 24-hour business registration, and the planned introduction of electronic visas from 2026. These measures, he stressed, will ease the process of doing business and position Ghana as the “gateway to Africa” for U.S. investors.

Business Leaders Engage on Opportunities

The roundtable brought together leading American multinationals and Ghanaian corporate leaders across energy, aviation, technology, healthcare, and financial services. Discussions centered on deepening partnerships, expanding trade and investment flows, and addressing shared challenges in the business environment. Companies welcomed the government’s reforms and expressed optimism about the opportunities to scale their investments in Ghana.

For U.S. firms, the discussions signal a stronger and more predictable investment climate in Ghana, backed by the President’s commitment to reforms. The removal of capital entry requirements for most sectors lowers barriers for new entrants, while the push toward 24-hour business registration and future e-visas reduces friction for cross-border operations.

Trade policy is also central. The possible renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) will ensure continued duty-free access to the U.S. market, which is vital for Ghanaian exports and, by extension, for U.S. firms building supply chains and joint ventures in the country. Meanwhile, Ghana’s role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat gives U.S. companies a strategic hub into Africa’s 1.4-billion-person market.

Sector by sector, opportunities are opening. In energy and mining, U.S. technology and service providers can partner with Ghana to modernize infrastructure and drive sustainable practices. In healthcare, demand for pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and advanced

medical equipment remains high. Agriculture and agribusiness present avenues for U.S. firms to apply innovation across supply chains. And in technology, Ghana’s youthful population and digital transformation create fertile ground for American innovation and investment.

Ultimately, the roundtable reinforced that Ghana is positioning itself as the entry point for U.S. companies into Africa. For American businesses, this is both a market opportunity and a strategic imperative: those who move early will be best placed to shape and benefit from the continent’s next wave of grow

AmCham Ghana’s Role

As the convener on the Ghana side, AmCham Ghana facilitated candid exchanges between policymakers and the private sector. The Chamber reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner that connects U.S. businesses to Ghana’s opportunities, while ensuring that members’ concerns are constructively addressed through advocacy and dialogue. The event further highlighted the Chamber’s growing influence as a neutral platform that strengthens U.S.–Ghana economic relations.

AmCham Ghana is uniquely positioned to serve as the bridge between U.S. businesses and Ghana’s evolving investment landscape. At the New York roundtable, the Chamber played a convening role—bringing the President, senior policymakers, and corporate leaders into one room for frank and solution-oriented dialogue.

Going forward, AmCham’s role will be threefold:

1. Advocacy – ensuring that the concerns of U.S. investors are voiced at the highest levels of government, particularly on regulatory clarity, taxation, and trade policy.

2. Facilitation – creating platforms where members can explore partnerships, expand into new sectors, and connect with Ghana’s AfCFTA advantage as a regional gateway. It will also facilitate a U.S. Ghana Commercial dialogue with key Ministries and Agencies to provide members with a formalized high level platform to influence policy and gain insights to the Ghana’s evolving economy

3. Support – equipping member companies with practical tools, market intelligence, and policy insights to reduce business risks and unlock opportunities.

In essence, AmCham Ghana will remain a trusted partner for U.S. companies, enabling them not just to enter the market but to thrive, while also strengthening Ghana’s position as a reliable investment destination in Africa

Looking Ahead

The success of the New York roundtable not only reaffirmed Ghana’s openness for business but also set the tone for sustained U.S.–Ghana cooperation. With a renewed focus on investment facilitation, digital reforms, and inclusive growth, the Chamber and its partners will continue to play a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities that benefit both economies.

As the President succinctly put it, “Ghana is indeed open for business.

U.S.-Ghana Executive Business Roundtable with H.E. President John Dramani Mahama.

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), and the U.S. Chamber was honored to participate in a high-level roundtable today with H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. The meeting, facilitated by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and its CEO, Simon Madjie, offered members a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the President about his government’s policy priorities and vision for advancing Ghana’s economic growth.

President Mahama emphasized his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment and attracting new investments. He reaffirmed that the minimum capital requirement for foreign investors will be eliminated across all sectors, except those specifically reserved for Ghanaians, a long-anticipated reform that will significantly ease market entry and encourage greater U.S. business participation.

In a further boost to the investment climate, the President announced that registration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) will soon be completed within 24 hours, cutting red tape and accelerating the establishment process for new businesses. He also confirmed that, beginning next year, Ghana will introduce e-visas, making travel and business access to the country faster and more efficient.

These reforms underscore the government’s determination to make Ghana one of the most attractive destinations for trade and investment in the region. For AmCham members, they present new opportunities to expand operations, deepen partnerships, and contribute to Ghana’s economic transformation.

Participants included the President of the AmCham Board Kimathi Kuenhyia and CEO of AmCham Doris Kafui Afanyedey.

Ghana is indeed open for business!

Cummins GM came visiting as part of the listening tour

On Friday, September 19, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), welcomed Patrice Ndzana, General Manager of Cummins Ghana, to our offices as part of the ongoing Member Listening Tour.

The visit created space for an open and engaging conversation about Cummins’ operations in Ghana, its contributions to industrial growth, and the challenges shaping the broader business environment.

Cummins, known globally for its reliable power solutions and engine technologies, has been making significant investments in Ghana. Recent projects include the delivery of six QSK95 engines for new tugboats at Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, repowering five dewatering pumps at Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, expanding service facilities in Tarkwa and Kumasi, and installing two 900 kVA standby generators at CalBank’s Head Office.

Beyond business, Cummins continues to invest in people—employing a predominantly Ghanaian workforce and advancing technical training to equip local talent for highly skilled roles.

The dialogue with Patrice reinforced the value of the Listening Tour: keeping the Chamber connected to members’ experiences, ensuring their perspectives shape advocacy, and strengthening partnerships that drive U.S.–Ghana trade and investment

AmCham – Google AI Business Dialogue and Networking Event 2025

Yesterday, September 16, 2025, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), in partnership with Google, hosted the AI Business Dialogue and Networking Event at the Google AI Office in Accra. The program brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders to explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business and the workplace.

Delivering her remarks at the engagement, AmCham CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey highlighed the transformative potential of AI while emphasizing the responsibility to use these tools ethically and inclusively. She reaffirmed AmCham Ghana’s mission to provide platforms that connect U.S. companies, Ghanaian businesses, and entrepreneurs in leveraging emerging technologies for growth and competitiveness.

Jason Hickey, Senior Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, traced the history of AI from regression models to today’s large language models (LLMs), helping participants contextualize how far the technology has come and where it is headed. Perry Nelson, Country Lead at Google, then led participants through live demonstrations of Gemini for Work and Notebook LLM, showcasing practical applications to boost workplace productivity and collaboration.

Conversations throughout the event focused on the ethical use of AI, the risks of generated content, and practical strategies to ensure accountability and trust in business applications. Participants also raised thought-provoking questions on how AI can support knowledge preservation, creativity, and industry-specific innovation, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

 

The program concluded with networking and refreshments, providing a platform for collaboration and exchange among stakeholders committed to shaping Ghana’s digital and business future responsibly.

AmCham Ghana Joins Stakeholder Consultation on New Investment Promotion Bill

Last Friday, on the sidelines of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre’s (GIPC) stakeholder consultation, our CEO, Doris Kafui Afanyedey, and Communications Officer, Albert Ludwig, joined the discussions alongside private sector representatives, including Adjoba Kyiamah, Executive Director of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC).

The session brought together both public and private sector voices to review the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) Bill, 2025, set to replace the GIPC Act, 2013 (Act 865). Once passed, the Bill will establish GIPA as the lead government agency for promoting, facilitating, and regulating investments into and within Ghana.

 

Mr. Simon Madjie, CEO of GIPC, emphasized that stakeholder contributions are key to shaping the Bill, noting that the process is designed to build consensus and create a legal framework that responds to the realities of Ghana’s investment climate. He also highlighted that the Bill addresses persistent issues such as fronting and regulatory inconsistencies.

From the legal perspective, Ms. Naa Lamle Orleans-Lindsay, Director of GIPC’s Legal Division, explained why the law needs updating after more than three decades. She pointed to reforms such as expanding the Authority’s mandate, revising its governance framework, and reviewing minimum foreign capital requirements, measures aimed at strengthening investor protection and driving sustainable growth.

 

The consultation ended with an interactive Q&A session, where both public and private sector participants, including AmCham Ghana and UKGCC, shared perspectives, raised concerns, and contributed meaningfully to shaping Ghana’s investment future.

Mantrac MD Pierre Lambert Hill meets AmCham CEO Doris Afanyedey

Earlier today, September 11, 2025, Doris Afanyedey, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham Ghana), visited Pierre Lambert Hill Managing Director of Mantrac Ghana in Accra as part of the CEO Listening Tour and engaged with the company’s leadership team.

Mantrac Ghana, the authorized Caterpillar dealer in the country, has operated in Ghana for over 88 years, supplying heavy machinery and equipment for the construction, mining, and energy sectors. The company employs a predominantly Ghanaian workforce, with over 97% of its staff being local, and continues to make significant investments in skills development and technical training, having trained more than 2,000 technicians in recent years.

One of Mantrac’s flagship contributions is its $60 million Component Rebuild Centre (CRC) in Takoradi, the largest of its kind in West Africa, which enhances the company’s ability to support mining and infrastructure projects across the region. Despite challenges such as evolving regulatory requirements, import restrictions on equipment, and increasing competition from low-cost suppliers, Mantrac remains committed to operating transparently, building local capacity, and sustaining Ghana’s industrial growth.

Through its investments, Mantrac Ghana continues to position itself as a trusted partner in driving innovation, supporting infrastructure development, and advancing Ghana’s broader extractives and construction industries.