Strengthening Strategic Collaboration: AmCham Ghana & KPMG Renew Engagement

AmCham Ghana last Tuesday held a strategic engagement meeting with the leadership Andrew Osei Akoto, Country Managing Partner of KPMG to reset, realign, and strengthen collaboration for 2026 and beyond.

The discussion, hosted at KPMG’s offices, marked an important step in deepening institutional partnership and ensuring stronger value delivery to members of the Chamber. In attendance were Doris Kafui Afanyedey, CEO of AmCham Ghana; Jane Okyere-Aduachie; and Albert Ludwig Nortey Botchway.

Reaffirming Value & Purpose

Since assuming office in August, AmCham Ghana’s CEO has prioritized member listening sessions to better understand value gaps and expectations. The meeting with KPMG formed part of this broader engagement strategy.

Key themes discussed included:

  • Enhancing member value through advocacy
  • Increasing structured collaboration on technical policy issues
  • Expanding participation in sector committees
  • Co-creating knowledge-driven programs rather than simply attending events

KPMG  emphasized that engagement must be strategic and value-driven, noting that executives increasingly prioritize forums that deliver actionable insight.

 

Advocacy at the Core

AmCham Ghana reiterated that advocacy represents a central pillar of its work, aligned with best practice from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where advocacy accounts for a significant portion of chamber impact.

Upcoming initiatives highlighted included:

  • The CEO Summit (fact-finding format focused on business pain points)
  • Launch of Sector Committees across key sector industries
  • Development of an Advocacy Workplan driven by member-identified issues
  • Introduction of the U.S.–Ghana Commercial Dialogue Series

The emphasis is clear: conversations with policymakers must address real member concerns—tax predictability, regulatory bottlenecks, forex volatility, investment protection, and compliance burdens.

 

Moving from Participation to Partnership

A strong outcome of the meeting was a shared commitment to move beyond attendance to co-creation

Both organizations expressed optimism that this engagement marks the beginning of a more structured, visible, and mutually beneficial partnership.

With over 120 active members and an ambitious membership growth target for 2026, AmCham Ghana continues to position itself as the premier platform for U.S.–Ghana private sector dialogue.

As both institutions agreed, AmCham was on track to deliver/generate quality insight and the tangible impact for members based on 2026 program outline shared.

View Event Pictures here.

AmCham Ghana and IOM explore partnership on migration and skills development

AmCham Ghana recently hosted a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) led by Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, Chief of Mission, Ghana Togo and Benin, to discuss how the private sector can contribute to sustainable migration pathways, skills development and diaspora engagement.

IOM, the United Nations migration agency, operates in over 100 countries and has 175 member states.  Its mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of migrants and society.  In Ghana, IOM has been present since 1987 and works closely with the Government to combat human trafficking, support border management and reintegrate returning migrants.  Through the EU‑IOM Joint Initiative, the organisation has facilitated the voluntary return of more than 970 Ghanaians, mainly from Libya, since 2017 .

During the meeting, the IOM team provided an overview of its key programmes and ongoing initiatives. These include pre-departure health assessments and ethical recruitment processes for Ghanaian migrant workers, ensuring migrants are medically fit and properly prepared for employment abroad. The organisation also highlighted its community stabilisation projects in northern Ghana and border regions, which provide small grants, livelihood support, and training to communities vulnerable to instability and violent extremism. In addition, IOM shared its reintegration assistance programme, which combines psychosocial support, vocational training, and entrepreneurship grants. In 2025 alone, approximately 2,400 returning migrants benefited from these interventions.

AmCham Ghana outlined its role as a membership-based advocacy organisation that connects U.S. and Ghanaian businesses. The Chamber’s priorities include policy advocacy, market access, investment promotion, and trade facilitation. .The discussion highlighted new opportunities to collaborate with international partners such as IOM.

Several key areas of collaboration emerged from the conversation. Both organisations agreed that Ghana’s diaspora and U.S.-educated students represent an untapped resource. AmCham will work with IOM to explore the development of a platform to track overseas Ghanaian talent and connect them with internships and employment opportunities within member companies. The discussion also emphasised labour mobility and ethical recruitment, noting that IOM’s expertise in pre-departure training and health assessments could help AmCham members recruit internationally in a responsible and compliant manner. To support this, a joint forum on labour mobility will be organised to share best practices and practical guidance with the business community.

Corporate social responsibility was another important theme. The meeting highlighted the value of private sector involvement in reintegration programmes, with examples such as DHL’s logistics training for returnees demonstrating how companies can support sustainable livelihoods and social inclusion. In the area of policy advocacy, AmCham will incorporate migration-related issues into its advocacy agenda and work with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations, and other stakeholders on ethical recruitment and diaspora engagement.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue the dialogue and develop a concrete action plan. AmCham will designate focal points to coordinate with IOM on diaspora engagement, labour mobility, and reintegration initiatives.

Migration remains a critical driver of economic growth. When effectively managed, it expands the talent pool, unlocks diaspora investment, and fosters innovation. By partnering with IOM, AmCham Ghana can help its members tap into the skills and networks of Ghanaian migrants and returnees while supporting ethical recruitment and social responsibility. Members interested in these initiatives are encouraged to contact the Chamber for more information.

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AmCham Ghana Data Protection Week Webinar.

During this year’s Data Protection Week, the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana brought together members, partners, and regulators to discuss the evolving landscape of privacy, cross‑border data flows, and digital trade. AmCham Ghana CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey opened the webinar by welcoming members and the Ghana Data Protection Commission (DPC) for the collaboration.  Ms. Doris emphasized that, as data underpins innovation in financial services, trade, and service delivery, it is essential to establish trust and compliance frameworks that support both local and multinational companies operating in Ghana.

The webinar aimed to focus on practical steps to build a robust privacy ecosystem while fostering cross‑border data flows, including:

  • Clarifying Ghana’s data protection and regulatory expectations for local and multinational businesses
  • Examining cross-border data flows in the context of cloud services, fintech, AI, and digital trade
  • Highlighting how strong data governance builds trust, competitiveness, and investor confidence
  • Providing practical guidance for CIOs, compliance, legal, and ICT leaders navigating data risk and opportunity

The key Speaker for the webinar, Quintin Nero Jones Akrobotu,  Director of Regulatory Compliance at the Data Protection Commission, emphasized that under Section 58 of the Data Protection Act, data controllers must appoint certified data protection supervisors who understand Ghana’s legal framework and can monitor compliance.  He reiterated that the Commission has published training guidelines for the Certified Data Protection Supervisor (CDPS) program, which equips professionals with practical skills to interpret the Act, support internal compliance frameworks, and handle data subject requests.  By investing in local certification, multinationals demonstrate respect for Ghanaian data subjects and strengthen their own governance structures.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of cross‑border data flows for Ghana’s digital economy.  According to a 2025 issue brief by the Future of Privacy Forum, cross‑border transfers are critical to Africa’s digital trade and are recognized in the African Union Data Policy Framework.  The protocol on digital trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) calls for free flow of data while respecting privacy and security.  Mr. Akrobotu noted that Ghana’s alignment with these frameworks will help businesses leverage cloud services, fintech platforms and artificial‑intelligence systems while safeguarding personal data.

In a Q&A session, participants asked about the use of AI in recruitment and the rights of candidates subjected to automated decisions.  Mr. Akrobotu clarified that individuals have the right to be informed when automated decision‑making is used and may request a human review of decisions.  He reminded employers that data‑driven technologies must be deployed responsibly and that individuals have the right to explain the circumstances behind adverse inferences.  Such safeguards protect privacy while allowing innovation. He also clarified that companies outside of Ghana can still register with the DPC after they receive a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

 

Finally, the DPC highlighted its Privacy Seal programme, which recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong privacy practices and compliance.  Businesses were encouraged to apply for the seal as a public commitment to accountability.  The Chamber will continue working with the DPC to ensure members have access to training and guidance.

Africa Trade Summit 2026 Opens in Accra with Strong Call for bold reforms to accelerate Africa’s Development

The 2026 Africa Trade Summit officially opened on Wednesday at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra, bringing together Heads of State, ministers, development finance leaders, and private sector executives to advance Africa’s industrial and trade transformation.

Organised by the African Trade Chamber, the two-day summit is focused on financing Africa’s industrialisation through value chain development, beneficiation, and deeper market integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

AmCham Ghana participated in the summit with a delegation led by its Chief Executive Officer, Doris Afanyedey, underscoring the Chamber’s commitment to promoting private sector engagement, trade facilitation, and industrial development across Africa.

Opening the summit, President John Dramani Mahama underscored the urgency for Africa to move beyond raw material exports toward manufacturing and value addition. He noted that while Africa is rich in natural resources, it continues to capture only a fraction of global industrial value, a situation that must change if the continent is to create jobs and retain wealth.

The Executive Chair of the African Trade Chamber, Benedicta Lasi, emphasised that Africa’s challenge is no longer about vision but execution, highlighting the need for coordinated industrial policies, reliable energy, efficient infrastructure, and long-term capital to support private sector investment.

Special addresses from UNIDO and Ghana’s Ministry of Trade reinforced the message that AfCFTA is not just a trade agreement but an industrial framework that rewards preparation, competitiveness, and regional integration.

Discussions throughout Day One highlighted the critical role of the private sector, development finance institutions, and regional cooperation in translating policy commitments into measurable industrial outcomes.

As part of Day One proceedings, a Ministerial Dialogue on Industrial Policy, Local Content and Value Creation was held under the theme “Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Transformation: Converting Extraction into Value and Building Industrial Champions.” The session was moderated by Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

Panelists included H.E. Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Hon. Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia; and Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.

The ministers emphasised the importance of robust industrial policy, effective local content frameworks, and regional value chains in transforming Africa’s extractive sectors into engines of value creation, employment, and competitiveness.

The summit continues today with ministerial dialogues, infrastructure and connectivity plenaries, and private sector engagement sessions aimed at advancing implementation.

 

AmCham Ghana Opens 2026 with Inaugural Economic Insight Forum

AmCham Ghana officially kicked off its 2026 programme calendar with its maiden engagement of the year, the 2026 Economic Insight Forum, held on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, at the Mövenpick Hotel, Accra

Hosted in partnership with the PwC Ghana, the half-day high-level forum was convened under the theme:

“Ghana’s 2026 Economic Outlook: Risks, Opportunities & Policy Imperatives.”

The Forum brought together AmCham members, senior executives, policymakers, professional services firms, and the Ministry of Finance for a data-driven discussion on Ghana’s macroeconomic trajectory and its implications for business planning and investment decisions in 2026.

 

Key Speakers and Insights

The Forum featured a keynote economic presentation by Mr. Richard Ansong, Partner at PwC Ghana, who provided a detailed outlook on Ghana’s economic performance and prospects. The presentation highlighted:

  • GDP growth outperforming earlier projections
  • Significant moderation in inflation, with expectations of single-digit inflation in 2026, subject to continued fiscal discipline
  • Improved foreign exchange reserves and debt sustainability
  • The importance of maintaining policy consistency and institutional discipline to sustain recent gains

A high-level panel discussion followed, with contributions from Dr. Banahene Thompson of the Dr. Banahene Thompson, and a private-sector stakeholder representative, by Mr Mark Appiah of GE. Discussions focused on fiscal consolidation, revenue mobilisation, tax compliance, energy costs, and the impact of global geopolitical developments on Ghana’s economy.

 

CEO Remarks: U.S. Companies Ready to Support Ghana’s AI Agenda

In her opening remarks, Doris Kafui Afanyedey, Chief Executive Officer of American Chamber of Commerce Ghana, described the Forum as a timely engagement at a critical inflection point for Ghana’s economy as the country transitions into 2026.

She emphasized that while macroeconomic stabilization is underway, business leaders require credible, data-driven insights that translate headline indicators into practical implications for investment, risk management, and growth planning. The Forum, she noted, was intentionally designed to go beyond forecasts, focusing on candid discussion of risks, bankable opportunities, and the policy reforms needed to support sustainable and inclusive growth.

Doris reaffirmed AmCham Ghana’s role as a trusted convener of high-level public-private dialogue, bringing together policymakers, analysts, and businesses to move from uncertainty to insight and from dialogue to action, while encouraging active participation from members throughout the day.

She encouraged government institutions to leverage the in-country presence of U.S. firms, including Google, Oracle, IBM, Microsoft etc stressing that these AmCham members offer immediate access to trusted global expertise on AI, aligned with Ghana’s development priorities.

A Platform for Candid Dialogue

True to its design, the Forum prioritised interactive engagement, allowing participants to raise practical concerns around tax policy, compliance costs, power reliability, data governance, and geopolitical risks. The robust Q&A session reinforced the need for continued dialogue between the private sector and policymakers to ensure reforms translate into improved competitiveness and investor confidence.

Looking Ahead

As AmCham Ghana’s first programme of 2026, the Economic Insight Forum set a strong tone for the year, reaffirming its role as a bridge between U.S. businesses and Ghanaian policymakers.

Insights from the Forum will inform AmCham Ghana’s 2026 advocacy and engagement agenda, as the Chamber continues to support policies that promote stability, innovation, and sustainable growth.

AmCham Ghana Hosts Maiden ICT & Digital Economy Committee Sitting

Accra, Ghana- Wednesday, 3rd December 2026- The American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (AmCham Ghana), led by CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey, successfully hosted the maiden sitting of the ICT & Digital Economy Committee at the Chamber Secretariat. The meeting represents a key milestone in deepening collaboration and policy advocacy across Ghana’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.

The session brought together leading industry players and technology partners, including representatives from Google West Africa, IBM Ghana, Microsoft Ghana, Oracle Ghana, American Tower Corporation (ATC), E-Services Africa Ltd. (Esal), Apotica Limited, Multithread ICT Solutions Limited, Devops Africa Limited, NCR Corporation, and Trimble Export Limited. Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, led by Senior Counselor Rachel Kresil, and supported by Commercial Officer Laurie Kelleher, Jennifer Antwi, an Economic Specialist at the Economic Section and Commercial Specialist Victoria Agbai, also joined the meeting to reinforce the shared U.S.–Ghana commitment to digital advancement.

Discussions centered on reviewing the mandate, vision, and objectives of the ICT & Digital Economy Committee, as well as examining current developments within Ghana’s policy and regulatory environment. Members also set priorities for the sector’s challenges and opportunities, while aligning on the 2026 Workplan, upcoming stakeholder engagements, and key flagship initiatives to drive industry growth.

AmCham Ghana expresses sincere appreciation to Multithread ICT Solutions Limited, proud sponsor of this maiden sitting, for their invaluable support and dedication to promoting digital innovation and transformation in Ghana.

This engagement underscores the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the U.S.–Ghana commercial partnership through strategic platforms that enable dialogue, innovation, and sustainable technology-driven development

 View event photos here

Delta Air Lines resumes non-stop flights from Accra to Atlanta

AmCham Ghana joined its Platinum Member, Delta Air Lines, at the Kotoka International Airport for the official launch of the expanded seasonal Accra to Atlanta service.

The expanded service, which complements Delta’s year-round operation from New York JFK, enhances travel flexibility for business and leisure passengers and supports the rising flow of commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange. Remarks from U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson, GACL Managing Director Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, GCAA Director-General Rev. Stephen Wilfred Arthur, and GTA CEO Marilyn Maame Efua Houadjeto highlighted the diplomatic, operational, and economic significance of the new connection and reaffirmed the shared commitment to strengthening Ghana’s role as a regional aviation hub.

The flight, operated on the Airbus A330-900neo, delivers an improved onboard experience across all cabins, including Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main, with seatback entertainment and free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members.

The Chamber was represented by CEO Doris Kafui Afanyedey and members of the Secretariat, who participated alongside Delta’s leadership team, headed by Eliona Baddoo, General Manager, Ghana. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the start of the daily flight that will run for six weeks through January 16, introduced in response to strong travel demand between Ghana and the United States during the peak holiday season.

AmCham Ghana congratulates Delta Air Lines on this milestone. It remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance U.S.–Ghana commercial ties and expand opportunities for travelers and businesses on both sides.

Thanksgiving, Partnership, and Purpose: Reflections from AmCham Ghana’s 36th Annual Celebration

Thanksgiving stands as one of America’s oldest and most meaningful traditions, rooted in a story of resilience, generosity, and shared abundance. The first Thanksgiving in 1621 brought together early settlers and the Wampanoag people to celebrate a successful harvest after years of hardship. Over centuries, this simple gathering evolved into a national holiday symbolizing gratitude, community, and the belief that even in challenging seasons, there is always something to give thanks for.

For Americans, Thanksgiving is not merely a holiday; it is a philosophy. It calls communities to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the people, partnerships, and opportunities that make progress possible. It is this same spirit that guides AmCham Ghana’s cherished annual Thanksgiving Dinner, now in its 36th year.

This year’s celebration, our most attended to date, with over 380 members, partners, and leaders, brought that spirit to life. The presence of Hon. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’Affaires and U.S. Embassy leadership, added profound significance to the evening.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening the U.S.–Ghana partnership, based on shared democratic values and mutual respect. He highlighted Ghana’s ongoing macroeconomic recovery, citing positive indicators such as 8% inflation and 6.3% economic growth in Q2 2025. He encouraged U.S. businesses to explore emerging opportunities in technology, energy, manufacturing, and digital transformation as the government continues its efforts toward stability, transparency, and investment-friendly reforms.

The Chargé d’Affaires echoed this message, commending AmCham’s leadership and the Chamber’s role in shaping a dynamic, predictable environment for U.S. companies in Ghana. He reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment while supporting American businesses operating in Ghana.

What We Should Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season offers an important moment for reflection, both as Ghanaians and as members of the U.S. business community.

As Ghanaians, we are grateful for:

  • A resilient economy that continues to stabilize and rebound.
  • A strong democratic tradition that enables peaceful transitions and continuity in governance.
  • A vibrant private sector that continues to invest, innovate, and create jobs.
  • Trusted bilateral partnerships, especially with the United States, that support technology transfer, capacity building, and long-term development.

As the U.S. business community in Ghana, we are grateful for:

  • A welcoming investment environment, strengthened by reforms and renewed policy dialogue.
  • Growing commercial opportunities in digital innovation, energy transition, logistics, health, and manufacturing.
  • A dependable local workforce whose skills and resilience fuel the success of U.S. companies operating in Ghana.
  • A strong partnership with the government and the U.S. Mission, which continues to champion transparency, predictability, and collaboration.
  • The AmCham ecosystem, which remains a trusted bridge, offering advocacy, insights, networks, and platforms to help businesses grow.

A Celebration of Community

This year’s Thanksgiving Dinner also recognized outstanding sponsors, partners, and contributors whose support strengthens the Chamber’s mission. The overwhelming participation and positive feedback reaffirm the power of community and the importance of gratitude in building lasting partnerships.

As AmCham Ghana looks toward 2026, we carry forward a shared message: Thanksgiving reminds us that progress is built together. Whether as Ghanaians or as members of the U.S. business community, we have much to appreciate, and even more to look forward to.

This is the heart of the AmCham Business Bridge: connecting communities, strengthening partnerships, and advancing shared prosperity.

AmCham Ghana Explores USTDA Project Preparation and Partnership Tools for Members

AmCham Ghana recently engaged with Jillian Foerster, Regional Manager, Sub-Saharan Africa U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), to explore how its project preparation tools can support our members and Ghana’s infrastructure plans.

USTDA shared how its feasibility study grants, technical assistance, reverse trade missions, and training grants could help move projects from concept to bankability, while also opening doors for U.S. technology and expertise.

Also discussed opportunities in energy, ICT, transport, aviation, mining-related infrastructure, agribusiness, and ports and logistics, as well as challenges around customs and project financing.

AmCham will be working with USTDA to brief our members in more detail and build a pipeline of serious, high-impact projects that can benefit from these tools.

AmCham Ghana Strengthens Strategic Collaboration with U.S. Embassy Leadership

AmCham Ghana held a productive high-level courtesy meeting with Rolf Olson, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires (CDA), and Rachel Kreissl, Commercial Counselor, as part of the Chamber’s renewed commitment to deepen U.S.–Ghana commercial ties and strengthen institutional partnerships.

Led by the Kimathi Kuenyehia AmCham Board President and attended by the CEO Doris K. Afanyedey, the meeting focused on aligning strategic priorities, enhancing collaboration mechanisms, and addressing emerging issues affecting the U.S. business community in Ghana.

Reinforcing Partnership and Shared Priorities

The Board President expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s long-standing accessibility and support to the Chamber and its members. The meeting reaffirmed that both institutions share a strong commitment to advancing U.S. business interests, championing investment, and strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

The CDA commended AmCham’s proactive posture and welcomed deeper coordination, particularly around advocacy efforts, investor confidence, and sector disruptions that require joint engagement.

Introducing New Leadership & AmCham’s Strategic Direction

AmCham formally introduced Doris K. Afanyedey as the Chamber’s new CEO, highlighting her mandate to drive institutional renewal under the AmCham 2.0 vision.

The discussion outlined the Chamber’s refreshed strategic direction, which includes:

  • Strengthening policy advocacy
  • Expanding member value through sector dialogues
  • Enhancing visibility for U.S. companies
  • Deepening Embassy – AmCham alignment across priority sectors

The CDA expressed strong support and emphasized the Embassy’s readiness to collaborate more closely with the new leadership team.