Amcham Ghana Creates Platform for Dialogue Between University of Buffalo, Ghanaian Teachers and Chamber Members

As part of the Chamber’s mandate to promote educational and cultural ties between the United States and the Republic Ghana, the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Monday, 13th January 2020 hosted students and faculty from the University of Buffalo (UB) School of Management, New York, as part of the University’s Social Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership Program.

The meeting provided a platform for engagement between the UB School of Management, members of the Chamber, and teachers from two Senior High Schools in Ghana (Accra Academy; and Presbyterian Senior High School, Osu) to exchange knowledge on educational opportunities, and entrepreneurship and the business environment in Ghana.

Ayesha Bedwai, President of AmCham Ghana, in her opening remarks, highlighted the changes in Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape, and the growth in the agricultural, information communication technology and the creative arts industries.

Dorothy Siaw-Asamoah, Faculty Director, Global Programs at the UB School of Management, gave a brief overview of the activities of the UB School of Management in Ghana, including medical outreaches in different parts of the country and trips to Senior High Schools and tourist sites. Students from the UB School of Management also gave a presentation on the school which covered alumni engagement, global experiences, core curriculum, collaborative degrees, action learning, global community, business trips, career preparation, mentorship, and funding for students.

Questions raised after the presentation were on enrollment in the UB Schools of Management, the number of international students in the school, funding for students, opportunities in UB for Senior High School students in Ghana, career development challenges of students in Ghana, and the quality of mentorship for students.

Ayesha Bedwai, in closing the meeting, commended the UB School of Management for the multi-dimensional nature of their activities and stressed the importance of student engagement and career advisory services.

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AmCham Ghana Joins Alliance For Integrity For The Business Integrity Forum

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana joined Alliance for Integrity for their Business Integrity Forum on Tuesday, December 10, 2019, in Accra. The event was to mark the International Anti-Corruption Week and discuss the fight against corruption in light of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Simon Madjie joined N. Adjoba Kyimah, Executive Director at UKGCC, Stephen Antwi, President of the Ghanaian – German Economic Association, Soloman Tettey-Akpeng, Governing Board Member at the Global Compact Network Ghana, Beauty Narteh, Executive Director at Ghana Anti Corruption Coalition, and Ingrida Kerusauskaite, Project Director at Palladium/MoDAC, for a panel discussion on the role of the private sector in the fight against corruption in light of the AfCFTA.

Simon Madjie spoke on the anti-corruption principles in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and suggestions for AfCFTA. He shared some key measures being adopted by the USMCA to address the issue of corruption. Some of these measures include Legislative Measures which will require the signatories to adopt or maintain legislative or other measures to criminalize bribery of a public official;  bribery of a foreign public official; soliciting or acceptance of a bribe as a public official; embezzlement, misappropriation, or another diversion by a public official of property entrusted to the public official; and aiding or abetting of or conspiracy in the bribery-related offenses listed above.

The USMCA also contains Administrative Measures that will require the signatories to adopt or maintain measures that provide for sound accounting and auditing standards for enterprises that prohibit recording “off-the-books” accounts, non-existent expenditures, and similar transactions. It also provides for the protections for whistleblowers, the disallowance of tax-deductibility of bribes, adequate procedures for selection and training of individuals for public positions considered especially vulnerable to corruption, requirements that senior public officials declare outside activities, employment, investments, assets, and substantial gifts or benefits, procedures for removing public officials accused of corruption-related offenses, and measures to strengthen integrity and to prevent opportunities for corruption among members of the judiciary.

Mr. Madjie suggested that adopting some of these anti-corruption measures which also include Promotional Measures committing signatories to take steps to raise awareness among public officials of relevant bribery laws and recognize the harmful effects of facilitation payments – and incorporating them into the AfCFTA will go along to see to the corruption-free implementation of the agreement.

He also added that Chapter 27 of the USMCA stands out from past international anti-corruption agreements in terms of enforceability. Specifically, Chapter 27 explicitly permits the parties to initiate claims through the USMCA’s dispute settlement mechanism to challenge measures alleged to be inconsistent with the Chapter’s requirements. Like other disputes arising under the USMCA, anti-corruption related disputes may be resolved through consultation, conciliation, mediation, or even the establishment of panels as a neutral adjudicator of disputes. Accordingly, in theory at least, one USMCA party may someday be able to bring another USMCA party before an international panel to hold it to account for failure to live up to its anti-corruption obligations.

The current version of the AfCFTA addresses concerns about corruption in trade only obliquely and insufficiently. The current version of the treaty does include a section on transparency (Part IV), which mandates that “each state party shall promptly publish or make publicly available through accessible mediums its laws, regulations, procedures and administrative rulings of general application.” However, there is no mention of how to ensure that making laws publicly available is matched with fairness and integrity in how these laws are enforced. Another section of the treaty mandates that State Parties “shall take appropriate measures” to promulgate and sustain “enhanced efficiency of customs procedures, trade facilitation, and transit,” but does not specifically reference curtailing customs corruption as one of those measures that would be “appropriate.” And although the agreement’s Protocol on Trade in Goods specifically mentions that “nothing in this Protocol shall be construed as preventing the adoption or enforcement of measures by any State Party that is necessary to protect public morals or to maintain public order,” there is no clear guideline on ensuring fair and honest enforcement.

In conclusion, Mr. Madjie suggested it is crucial for the AU to take a second look at the AfCFTA and to start developing ways to update the document by incorporating anti-corruption measures into the agreement.

United Way Ghana Honors AmCham Ghana For Its Support

United Way Ghana, at its Community Builders Awards on Thursday, December 5, 2019, honored the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana for supporting the organization to undertake one of its major projects.

The Community Builders Awards Dinner was organized to appreciate volunteers, partners, and corporate institutions for their tremendous support towards United Way Ghana’s impact work in the various communities in Ghana.

In May 2019, AmCham Ghana supported United Way Ghana for its Nyansapo Literacy Project which was aimed at promoting childhood literacy at the Ayebeng Memorial Primary School in Accra. Through AmCham Ghana’s support, United Way presented the school with a ‘Library In A Box,’ each class in the school was given a box of books to make materials accessible and inspire reading culture in pupils.

Other organizations and individuals honored at the event includes AmCham Ghana members – Newmont Goldcorp Ghana and Morrison & Associates. AmCham Ghana Treasurer,  Adiki Ayitevie, and Former Treasurer of the Chamber, Doris Afanyedey, were also honored for her contributions and support to United Way Ghana.

AmCham Ghana 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night

The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana on Saturday, November 23, 2019, held its 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night. The event was to climax the year-long 30th-anniversary celebration and also commemorate the American national holiday of Thanksgiving.

The event had in attendance Senior Government Officials, including the Guest of Honor, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah, Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, and former Minister for Finance, Hon. Seth Terkper,  the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan and other Heads of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana. Also in attendance were corporate executives from the American business community, former AmCham Ghana Presidents and executives, members of the Chamber, and other associates.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah, during his remarks, commended AmCham Ghana for promoting trade and investment between Ghana and the United States and connecting businesses across the continent for 30 years. “Indeed, fostering these partnerships requires extensive commitment and a genuine sense of excellence that transcends normal business practices,” he added.

The Minister also touched on the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” program, which was launched by the President of Ghana in Washington DC in September of 2019. According to the Minister, the Ministry of Trade and Industry cannot ignore the economic significance of the program as they champion intra-African trade by hosting the Secretariat of the AfCFTA. He said, “Indeed, it is a known fact returnees have contributed enormously to the rapid development of the Asian Tigers such as Korea, Japan, and China.”

“This was done through a conscious effort to provide a business environment that is welcoming, facilitating, and of international standards. We believe these are important for the business assimilation of returnees and offer a myriad of opportunities,” he added.

Given this, the Ministry is implementing a ten-point industrial transformation agenda with business regulatory reforms to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah said the Ministry is supporting private sector promoters to develop Industrial Parks and Social Economic Zones around the country to provide dedicated land space with energy, water, and telecommunications facilities for the establishment of manufacturing industries. This is expected to solve problems related to the acquisition of industrial land in the country.

The Minister joined the outgoing President of the Chamber, Joe Mensah, the Former Presidents and Executives of the Chamber, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, the Senior Director for West & Central Africa at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Africa Business Center, Dr. Guevera Yao, and the Headline Sponsors of the event to cut the special 30th-anniversary cake.

30th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Awards

The Chamber seized the opportunity to honor the contributions of Former Presidents and Executives of the Chamber, Members, Staff, and associates.

Ladi Nylander, AmCham Ghana Founding President; Victoria Cooper-Enchia, Former AmCham Ghana President;  William Ohrt, Former AmCham Ghana President;  Mona Boyd, Former AmCham Ghana President; Philippe Ayivor, Former AmCham Ghana President; Joe Mensah, Former AmCham Ghana President; Felix Addo, Former AmCham Ghana Vice President; Nick Kyei Baffour, Active Former Vice President; Herbert Morrison, Founding Member; Theresa Aba Conduah, First Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana; Doris Afanyedey, Past Treasurer & Longest Serving Treasurer of the Chamber; Simon Madjie, 10 Years of Service to the Chamber;  Akua Oye-Akufo, Longest-Serving Staff at the Chamber; U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Most Strategic Partner Throughout this 30-Year Period; Newmont Goldcorp Ghana, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber; PwC Ghana, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber; Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber, and NCR Ghana Limited, Longest Serving Member of the Chamber, were all presented with a special Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC.

The Outgoing President of the Chamber, Joe Mensah, was presented with a Leadership Achievement Award for his exemplary leadership throughout his four-year tenure and his immense contribution to the promotion of trade and cultural ties between Ghana and the United States.

Plaques of Appreciation were presented to our Headline Sponsors; Kimathi & Partners and Newmont Goldcorp Corporation, our Gold Sponsor; ExxonMobil E&P Ghana (Deepwater) Limited, Silver Sponsor; JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, and Delta Air Line Ghana and GoldLine Mining Ghana Limited for supporting the AmCham 30th Anniversary Celebration / Thanksgiving Dinner and Awards Night. 

Dode Seidu was also presented with a Special Recognition award for his support and contributions to the Chamber’s development.

AmCham Best Member Award 2019

The Best AmCham Ghana member award for 2019 went to ExxonMobil E&P Ghana (Deepwater) Limited for their consistent participation in AmCham Ghana activities throughout the year. ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Ghana (Deepwater) Limited acquired rights in 2018 to explore the ultra-deepwater block Deepwater Cape Three Points.

ExxonMobil holds 80% interest in the Deepwater Cape Three Point block.

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AmCham Ghana Launches ‘State of American Business Study 2020’

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers, has launched the State of American Business Study 2020.

The study will serve as a pulse check of the current United States business environment in Ghana and provide an overview of the contributions of American companies to Ghana’s economy.

PwC first supported the Chamber with the exploratory study in August 2015.

Speaking at the launch of the study in Accra on Thursday, November 21, 2019, the outgoing AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, said,  “American companies have contributed immensely to Ghana’s development, and that data is needed to know where we are now.”

He added that the Chamber would once again collaborate with PwC to conduct the study as it did in 2015.  “A significant amount of time has passed since the first study and I hope that we will receive a greater level of participation this year,’ he noted.

He advised all American businesses in Ghana to sign up and share their data with the Chamber. “I urge American businesses in Ghana to sign up to be part of the study to enable us to get a true depiction of their contributions to the country,’ he said.

About the American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana)

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) 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 exists to promote commercial, economic, educational and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. The Chamber is one of the 118 affiliates of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business association with over one million members worldwide.

www.amchamghana.org

Ayesha Bedwei Appointed New President of AmCham Ghana

The American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Ayesha Bedwei as the Chamber’s new President and Mr. Pakwo Shum (Country Manager, Delta Airlines) as the Chamber’s Vice President effective 1 January 2020.

Ms. Bedwei succeeds Mr. Joe Mensah who served as the President of the Chamber for four years. Mr. Mensah who was recently named as the Senior Vice President and Head of the Ghana Business Unit at Kosmos Energy, stated: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time as the President of AmCham. I believe that together with the board members, we have been able to increase the profile of the American business community in Ghana. I have worked closely with Ayesha in the Chamber for 10 years. I am very confident in her ability to ensure that the contributions of American companies remain visible in the country. I wish Ayesha the best of luck in leading the Chamber into its next chapter.”

Ms. Ayesha Bedwei is a Tax Partner at PwC Ghana with over 20 years’ experience in the finance, tax and accounting fields. She is also PwC Africa’s Diversity & Inclusion Leader. Ms. Bedwei has been involved in a wide array of projects and has built a network of influential clients and associates during her professional career. Ms. Bedwei has a wealth of experience in Energy matters due to her involvement in Ghana’s oil and gas sector from its inception in 2007 to date. In addition, she services multinational clients across a range of industries including fast-moving consumer goods, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

When asked about her new role Ms. Bedwei remarked, “I am honoured and excited to be appointed as the new President of the Chamber. I look forward to working to promote U.S business interest, expanding trade and investment between the U.S. and Ghana and promoting entrepreneurship and business amongst young people in the country.”

Other notable additions to the Chamber effective 1 January 2020 include Adiki Ayitevie (Vice President, Newmont Goldcorp Corporation) as the new Treasurer.

New Board Members: Randi Cruz (Managing Director & Venture Manager, ExxonMobil Exploration & Production Ghana Deepwater Limited), Gbile Adewunmi (Managing Director, Cummins CNWARO Africa), Francois Hardy (Senior Regional Vice President, Newmont Goldcorp Corporation), Seth Adu-Baah (Managing Director, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana Limited), Sulemana Abubakar (Chief Information Officer, General Electric Africa) and George Sarpong (Kosmos Energy Ghana HC)

About the American Chamber of Commerce (Ghana)

The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) 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 exists to promote commercial, economic, educational and cultural ties between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana. The Chamber is one of the 118 affiliates of the U.S Chamber of Commerce, which is the world’s largest business association with over one million members worldwide.

www.amchamghana.org

AmCham – USDA Dinner Reception | AmCham Ghana Hosts Deputy Secretary For United States Department Of Agriculture

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, hosted a dinner in honor of Stephen Censky, Deputy Secretary for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and his business delegation who are in Ghana for a three-day (October 28-31, 2019), trade mission seeking to unlock new export opportunities in West African as part of the U.S. Government’s Prosper Africa initiative, which seeks to strengthen commercial ties and foster fair and reciprocal trade with African countries.

The dinner had in attendance the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan; President of AmCham Ghana, Joe Mensah; a delegation of businesses from the U.S.; staff of the USDA and U.S. Embassy in Accra as well as members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana.

Mr. Joe Mensah, President of AmCham, welcomed Mr. Censky and the business delegation, highlighting the important role of agriculture to Ghana’s development, citing renewed efforts by the Government of Ghana to invest in the sector.

Mr. Censky, in his remarks, expressed his gratitude to AmCham for hosting the USDA delegation. He noted that West Africa- and Ghana in particular- is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world and presents trade opportunities for American businesses. He stated that AmCham plays an important role in working to ensure that trade and investment policies of the Government of Ghana facilitate trade and development. He added that the United States is interested in the economic development of Ghana as well as in facilitating trade relations which are mutually beneficial to both countries.

Ambassador Sullivan,  commended AmCham for its strong partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, in facilitating business for American companies and promoting strong investment as well as world-class environmental, labor and ethical standards in the business environment in Ghana.

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2019 U.S. – Africa AgTech Forum| Technology & Food Security: Facilitating A Digital Revolution In Agriculture

The U.S. – Africa Agtech Forum on Agricultural Technology came off on the margins of the Borlaug Dialogue International Symposium. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce partnered with The World Food Prize, The World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and Cultivation Corridor to bring together over 150 attendees, including U.S. Government Official and Ministers from across Africa to discuss the nexus of technology in agriculture.

Nearly 800 million people do not have access to sufficient and nutritious food to live a healthy life. With the global population expected to reach 9 billion by 2015, the challenge of feeding the world is set to become even more acute.

Beyond the impact of global health, there is ample evidence linking food insecurity to physical security threats, creating broad implications that transcend national borders. It’s also estimated that changes in agriculture and land use are responsible for roughly 25% of greenhouse gas emissions – making the drive for food security a potential exacerbating factor in climate change if not paired with more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Digital innovation has the potential to revolutionize all aspects of the agricultural value chain – increasing agricultural efficiency, reducing food waste and alleviating food insecurity in the process. If we are to realize the vision, however, governments around the world must establish a regulatory environment that facilitate, rather than stifle, such technological solutions.

To ensure that we leverage the potential of digital innovation to transform the agricultural value chain and meet our shared objectives, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the World Food Prize encourage governments around the world to adopt the following principles;

 

  1. Foster innovation through an appropriate regulatory environment.
  2. Prioritize internet access and consumer choice.
  3. Promote increased access to finance.
  4. Commit to a cross-border data flow.
  5. Facilitate broad access to government data.
  6. Implement good regulatory practices for Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPs) measures.
  7. Modernize customs for the digital era.
  8. Support supply chain transparency.
  9. Protect intellectual property and international investment.
  10. Use international standards to avoid non-tariff barriers.
  11. Foster trust in the digital ecosystem via best-in-class cybersecurity practices.

AmCham Ghana Meet With Pyxera Global and Jaipur Rugs To Discuss The Future Of Weaving In Ghana

AmCham Ghana met with Pyxera Global and Jaipur Rugs to discuss opportunities in Ghana’s weaving industry and means to promote and preserve craftsmanship in the sector, and also connect it to the global supply chain under the African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative.

Under-resourced artisan communities face constant challenges that pose a significant risk to their long-term stability. They confront the impacts of globalization, climate change, and technological advances.

Specifically, communities of weavers across the African continent are under threat. While woven fabric holds with its cultural identity and connection, local demand for these cloths are in significant decline, and demand for high-quality woven fabrics within the countries where they are produced is extremely low today, not in small part because of low-cost Chinese imports or other machine-produced and less expensive options.

To address the challenges faced by weaving communities while taking advantage of the rising global demand for artisan products, the African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative (AACEE) partners – AmCham Ghana,  PYXERA Global Ghana, Association of Ghana Industries,  and Jaipur Rugs, propose a highly unusual approach—the replication or adaptation of the framework of a scaled handicraft enterprise in India to Africa.

This broad effort seeks to transform weaving communities from producers of handicrafts into hubs of entrepreneurial excellence. Beginning in Ghana and Ethiopia, weavers in the AACEE program will participate in skilling activities, receive contracts for the delivery of specific woven products, and be linked into high-value global supply chains.

Jaipur Rugs is a 40-year-old, fully-scaled artisan enterprise that works with 40,000 women weavers in India, as well as with entrepreneurs across the rug supply chain, and with luxury handicraft
buyers in dozens of countries. Jaipur Rugs will serve as a knowledge partner, sharing their proven model for scale, as well as insights and connections to potential retail and wholesale export markets.

Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana, Simon Madjie, assured that the chamber is ready and will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the  African Artisan Community Engagement and Export Initiative.

 

AmCham Ghana President Meets Pamela Ward, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs & Regional Commercial Officer Sub-Saharan Africa

AmCham Ghana President, Joe Mensah, met with Pamela Ward, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs & Regional Commercial Officer Sub-Saharan Africa.

They discussed improving America’s involvement in the development of Ghana and means to further improve direct trade between the two nations by making it easier for traders and supplier to source directly from the United States.

Also discussed at the meeting was making investing in Ghana attractive to the diaspora.  According to Joe Mensah, the diaspora must get involved. “We all need to engage, and when we find something wrong, we all find means to solve it.” He added.

The President of the chamber also shared with Pamela Ward,  some of the chamber’s advocacy activities aimed at policy formulation and change to improve the business climate in Ghana.

Pamela Ward has over twenty years of experience supporting U.S. business in international markets as a Foreign Commercial Officer for the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Also present at the meeting were AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, and Hannah Kamenetsky, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Accra.

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