Inter-Con Security System Ghana Joins the Chamber

Premier global provider of integrated security services, Inter-Con Security Systems has joined AmCham Ghana. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of customized security solutions to Fortune 100 companies, government institutions, diplomatic missions and organizations worldwide. Inter-Con which is a privately held, American-owned Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) has met all requirements is now a Member of the Chamber.

Founded in 1973, today, Inter-Con employs more than 25,000 security professionals operating across four continents while delivering over 65 million manhours of security services annually. Inter-Con provides a wide range of security services. Core competencies include: customized physical security, security program development and management, electronic security, security consulting and training, and specialized services.

Inter-Con’s services covers several sectors spanning Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods and Services, Critical Manufacturing, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial, Government and Diplomatic, and Healthcare.

Visit www.icsecuritygh.com for more

Contact: 

Inter-con Security System, Inc,

H/NO C81/16 Dideibaa Street Abelemkpe

P.O.Box 2047b, Keneshie, Accra – Ghana

+(233) (0)302- 761-971/2/3

+(233) (0) 540-108-199

Fax: (+233)(0) 302-762-314

Old Mutual Joins AmCham Ghana

Old Mutual Ghana which  is part of the Old Mutual Group has fulfilled all necessary requirements and is now a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana. Old Mutual provides life assurance, asset management, banking and general insurance to more than 16 million customers in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

At an induction meeting at the AmCham Ghana office, Mr. Sosthenes K. Konutsey who is  Head of Corporate Business at Old Mutual Ghana said they are excited to be part of AmCham Ghana, and that this puts them in the right position to provide Chamber members with Employee Benefit Solutions and other exciting insurance solution that his outfit provides.

Old Mutual has been operating in Ghana since 2013, having acquired a majority stake in Provident Life Assurance. One year later, the business has fully re-branded and is now operating as Old Mutual Life Assurance Company (Ghana) Limited.

 

WHO IS OLD MUTUAL 

  • An international long-term savings, protection, banking and investment group
  • Established in South Africa in 1845
  • Businesses in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe
  • Serving over 16 million customers
  • Employing around 57,000 people
  • £16.1 million invested in community projects in 2014

Old Mutual Employee Benefit Solutions                                          OM Ghana Corporate Business Flyer

Position Paper | Increasing Trends in Local Content Requirements Affecting Drive for Foreign Direct Investment

European Business Organization (EBO) & American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) POSITION ON LOCAL CONTENT LAWS

 

 “We cannot grow the economy on our own and government does not have much to spend. That is why we need to rely on and/or increase foreign direct investment. Local content/participation is good but it’s about how you apply it and at what point you need to do it,” GIPC CEO, Mr. Yofi Grant

Introduction

There has been an increasing trend in the enactment of local content requirements in Ghana that are negatively affecting the government’s drive to improve the ease of doing business, attract foreign direct investment and promote overall economic growth. Local content requirements may be described as regulations, laws and policies that require foreign companies to involve, prioritize or include local companies in their procurement and provision of goods and services.

Increasingly, local content requirements have been found to serve as direct or indirect forms of protectionism limiting or eliminating foreign participation in certain sectors of the economy. Eventually, such requirements curtail free trade affecting competition leading to higher consumer prices. On the other hand, enacting, implementing and monitoring such requirements also comes at a huge cost to regulators and usually affects the organic growth and competitiveness of local firms.

Local Content Activities of EBO and AMCHAM Members

Without legislating local content requirements, foreign businesses in Ghana including Members of EBO and AMCHAM support local employment, employing about 96-98% of Ghanaians in their organizations. Within their supply chains, EBO and AMCHAM Members ensure continued Transfer of Skills and Technology to local companies. These companies are actively involved in education and skills training of Ghanaians creating opportunities for nationals to work in highly skilled roles in their respective sectors.

EBO and AMCHAM Members are responsible corporate citizens who pay their taxes and carrying out statutory obligations thereby contributing to the country’s revenue generation efforts.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs of foreign companies where they undertake activities to support local economic development has been a major contributor to local content development in the country.

Impact of Local Content Policies on Ghana’s International Trade Obligations

Due to globalization, the economies of the World are interwoven in many ways and for that reason we are asking the Government of Ghana to:

  • Study the consequences of every proposed Local Content Law on Ghana’s global trade position especially with, ECOWAS, AU,the European Union, the WTO, China, India, United States of America, Brazil and any other major trade partners and donors.
  • Study the consequences of Local Content laws by consultations of all national and international stakeholders and to audit, calculate and include preliminary impact assessment studies especially studying universal compliance laws, food safety, impacts on our Eco systems, impact on Foreign Direct Investments, international agreements and worldwide regulations, and not to forget protection offered to foreign investors under the GIPC Act 2013.
  • Wrongfully introduced Local Content laws can hurt Ghana’s development, employment, Foreign Direct Investments and Ghana’s future for long periods of time.

Excessive Focus on Ownership

EBO and AMCHAM believe that not allowing Global Companies to have a majority stake in their own companies in Ghana will lead to a steep decline in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).    Access of foreign investors to Ghana will result in Ghana’s access to the latest technology, working skills and methods into the country and lead to development of Ghana in a competitive world. The policies should focus on value addition to Ghana rather than ownership per se, since local ownership is no guarantee for value creation as noted by many experts. Local content is measured as direct, indirect and induced impact on the economy. Focusing on ownership alone overlooks the value added benefits of economic output, employment and human capital development.

We urge the Government of Ghana to understand that in today’s world and a global economy local ownership is not the key element of running a business. Today many international businesses are either owned or registered in other countries than where they originated from.

Today’s most important issues for any government are:

Where are the jobs being created? Where are the taxes paid? How do we make our country the most competitive country to invest in? How do we protect our small companies against large companies? How do we position ourselves, competition wise in our region?

When we manage to concentrate on these questions we will be assured of a steady growth and development of Ghana.

AMCHAM and EBO with Membership of over 250 companies, have over the years contributed significantly to the economic development and transformation of this Country. Our Member companies and their relationship with Ghana dates back many years. Our members believe that the objectives of the local content regulations are very clear and focused on one key area – the development of Ghanaians to quickly fill highly skilled jobs.   But not only that.  If done properly, a local content regulation would create a win-win for  FDI’s and the people of Ghana by providing skilled labor and services at competitive rates that lower industry operating costs by reducing the reliance on expatriates.

ABOUT EBO-GHANA:

EBO-Ghana is part of the global European Business Organization EBOWWN, which is present on all continents in non-European key import and export markets of European enterprises.

Local EBO’s are highly integrated and localized European organizations within the markets in which they operate and are often administrated by nationals of the host country or by Europeans who have extensive knowledge through long residence and business involvement in the host country. Promotes and advocates free trade in general and between the European Union and third markets.

Source market information on its market for European business and local and EU market information for its local entrepreneurs who do or intent to do business with Europe. Advices and informs all stakeholders, being businesses and governmental institutions in the host countries in which they are present. Advocate and promote best business practices and standards in third markets.

ABOUT AMCHAM GHANA

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Ghana is a representative arm of the US businesses and subsidiaries in the country including Ghanaian Businesses with Strong US ties. It is affiliated with the United States Chamber of Commerce, which is the World’s largest business organization representing over 3 million members and 177 affiliates all over the world. AMCHAM Ghana is also an active member of Africa Business Center which is the continent’s arm of the US Chamber of Commerce.

The core mandate of AMCHAM is to advocate for U.S businesses and by extension the promotion of the FDI’s into Ghana; creating enabling environment for businesses in which Ghanaian and US businesses can thrive, promoting the spirit of free enterprise, creating opportunity and prosperity for our two countries.

Simon Madjie                                                                                Nico C.M van Staalduinen    

Executive Secretary, AMCHAM                                                     Executive Director, EBO -Ghana

Plot # C609/3, 5th Crescent Street                                               The Total House

Asylum Down, Accra                                                                        Liberia Road, Accra.

amchamghana.com                                                                          euroghana.eu

 

YALI Training the Next Generation of Leaders in Africa

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has over the years trained young African leaders to prepare them for leadership roles in Africa’s future. It is for this reason that the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana is partnering with YALI to bring to the notice of Members, the works and some of the positive impacts and success stories of the program.

AmCham’s involvement is to appeal to Member companies to assist YALI Cohorts by providing mentorship, internship opportunities and some instances assist cohorts to engage in community service.  Some notable U.S companies like Dow Chemical, MasterCard and Microsoft have led the efforts at training these cohorts at the YALI Center at GIMPA. Chamber Members may also consider funding this program as part of their contribution to the development of leaders in the sub region.

The Executive Secretary of the Chamber sat down with Dr. Shola Safo-Duodu, Director of YALI and she shared details on the initiative and success stories of some cohorts. Watch video below.

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                                                                          About YALI

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by the United States government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders.

The YALI Accra Regional Leadership Centre (R LC) offers an experience learning program for young Africans in three tracks: public policy and government; civil society leadership; and business and entrepreneurship. The curriculum also addresses leadership, ethics and contemporary issues affecting Africa, among other transformational topics.

Selected from over 35,000 applicants, we have already trained over 2500 young West Africans. The institute aims to train at least 1200 young African leaders a year.

  • The YALI Regional Leadership Center empowers young Africans to shape the future of the continent.
  • Our Alumni are young citizens who are able to positively influence and impact local business and entrepreneurship.
  • Our alumni are able to offer expertise to sustain meaningful and relevant non-governmental organizations.
  • Our Alumni who are Public Managers are able to serve as functional and ethical administrators in public office.

 

Contact Dr. Shola Safo-Duodu at  shola@yaliwestafrica.org   or   visit   http://yaliwestafrica.net/rlc/

AmCham Ghana Partners Microsoft for an Anti Piracy Campaign and Sensitization Program

Apparently, a lot of institutions including government agencies are at the risk of exposing their data and sensitive information to hackers. This is due to the fact that, these institutions have acquired and installed pirated Microsoft software products. This revelation was made at a roundtable meeting help at the AmCham Ghana office with Mr. Michael Mensah-Ackman from Microsoft.

Microsoft which is looking to partner with the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana (AmCham) to embark on an ‘Anti-Piracy Campaign and Sensitization Program’ told the chamber that, they lose a lot of revenue due to the activities of partners and other retailers who sell pirated MS Software products, under the disguise of genuine products.

He mentioned to the Executive Secretary of AmCham, Mr. Simon Madjie that, a lot of micro financial institutions, government agencies and other institutions who handle sensitive information are victims of pirated Microsoft software. This opens these institutions up for hacking and having their information accessed by unauthorized entities, since the software might come with bugs or other back doors channels for easy access.

He also said though Ivory Coast’s demographics are relative to Ghana’s; Ivory Coast has a favorable climate for trading in software. This he said is due to the fact that, Ivory Coast made a frantic effort to weed out pirated software products, and instituted measure to ensure the acquisition of genuine software.

Pirating software product causes government to lose revenue. This is due to the fact that, retailers don’t pay taxes on these pirated software products. So it is also in the interest of Government for an immediate action to curb this menace because, they will in turn make more revenue in terms of taxes.

In a statement, Mr. Madjie said “government must secure their data by acquiring genuine Microsoft software products.” This will also serve as precedent for other institutions and organizations to do so. He went on to say “the Chamber is calling on government to comply with WTO best practice by eliminating custom duties on software.” This he think will make prices of genuine software products to be more competitive to help curb the menace of pirating.

The ‘Anti-Piracy Campaign and Sensitization Program’ will seek to educate unsuspecting individuals and organisations on the menace, expose recalcitrant Microsoft partners and other retailers dealing in pirated software products, help institutions switch from their pirated software products to genuine ones and advocate that government implement policies and enforce laws protecting intellectual property. Mr. Mensah-Ackman also mentioned that, there will be a platform for Microsoft software product owners to check if their products are genuine.

“The chamber is interested in this campaign because, we believe that protection for intellectual property is an essential indication that, Ghana is the right place for American businesses” said Mr. Simon Madjie, Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana.

AmCham Ghana Roundatable Discussion on Cyber Security Challenges in Ghana

In a fast growing cyber world, challenges are bound. It is for this reason that the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana under the auspices of the American Embassy, on Thursday January 18, 2018 organized a roundtable discussion on the topic, “Cyber Security Challenges in Ghana.”

Education, Awareness Creation, B2B Collaborations, Business to Government Collaborations, Policy Formulation and Implementation, and Discipline were some of the key strategies discussed at the meeting.  The meeting which was held at the IBM Ghana office had resource person, Ms. Elizabeth Vish, Policy Adviser on cyber issues at the U.S. Department of State. Also in attendance were representatives from Coca Cola, PwC, Technip FMC, Global Trade Consult, IBM, American Airlines, U.S. Office of the coordinator for Cyber Issues and other prominent businesses.

Education was the most talked about strategy, as Ms. Vish and the other attendees think the lack of education on cyber threats is predominate among businesses. Education will not only help business to be aware of the threats, but also help them know the tools to use in combating them. It was also suggested that education will help minimize negligence, which has been the reason for a lot of cyber-attacks on businesses.

Ms. Vish also disclosed that some U.S. initiatives have failed in the past because, there was disconnect between the problems and the initiatives. For this reason, it was suggested that there should be a lot of collaborations and information sharing among businesses, and business and government. This they think will help the government in formulating policies and coming up with initiatives which will help protect Ghana’s cyber space; likewise businesses.

Though information sharing was identified as an effective tool in tackling cyber challenges, it was also noted that businesses don’t like sharing such information due to their sensitive nature. This brought up the suggestion that, government could set up a hub or an entity, which will facilitate the sharing of these sensitive information whiles guaranteeing privacy. This they hope will encourage businesses to share information on cyber-attacks on their organizations.

The meeting also concluded that, businesses need to make extra efforts when it comes to cyber security issues. Companies are advised to double check the cyber security status of clients and other businesses they engage, get staff to be disciplined and alert, and also take physical security seriously; since physical security is part of cyber security. It was also suggested that cyber security education should start at the very stages of our educational system.

Ms. Elizabeth Vish said the information shared at the meeting will help the U.S. government in strategizing future initiatives with the Ghanaian government and businesses to make them more effective. She also said “Ghana is one of our most important bilateral partners on cyber issues in Africa” and the U.S has over the years been helping the government address issues of cyber security under the ‘Security Government Initiative’, established in 2014 under the Obama administration.

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AmCham celebrates with GARIA

The Executive Secretary and the Communication officer of the Chamber were at GARIA’s end of year open house to interact with them and their Members. The presence of AmCham at this event is to further emphasise our collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the need to improve the ease of doing business in the country.

President of GARIA, Mr. Felix Addo said the cocktail event was organised to unwind, interact and share ideas for activities in the coming year. The event was attended by some business executives and people from academia.

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UBER Chief Brand Officer visits Ghana

Bozoma Saint John, Chief Brand officer and the corporate face of Uber visited Ghana to assess the operations of the company in the Country. At a luncheon event organised to welcome her into the country, she reiterated the commitment of Uber to the Economic transformation of the country and was pleased that Accra was one of the fastest growing cities with huge demand for Uber.

She further announced that Uber had over 3000 partner drivers in Accra and they were also pleased about expanding their operations to Kumasi. Saint John also urged partners to help the company to be responsible to the community and make sure Uber serves them appropriately.

“One good thing we love about Uber is the opportunity that it gives to a lot of folks to not only earn a living, but to create opportunities for themselves, the community and their families. We hope to push that agenda not only in Ghana but across Africa and of course the world.” She added.

The meeting was attended by Uber executives in West Africa, the DCM of the U.S Embassy, Madam Tabler-Stone, members of the U.S mission in Accra, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammad Sowah and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism.

The President of the American Chamber of Commerce who also doubles as the Country Manager of Kosmos Energy, Mr. Joe Mensah on his part urged Uber to continue with the good work it has started in Ghana. He said the arrival of one more U.S company in the country underscored the importance of the strategic commercial relationship between Ghana and the U.S.

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AmCham Ghana Marks World Anti Corruption Day With Procurement Authority

“We like what is being said about increasing transparency, fighting corruption,and improving ease of doing business in Ghana. American companies are excited about the possibilities. But we would like to see action and tangible results.” U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson appeals to government to move beyond rhetoric in fighting corruption.

Ambassador Jackson was speaking at a luncheon meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana to mark World Anti Corruption Day at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, on Wednesday December 6, 2017. This year’s topic was, “Improving Public Procurement to Minimize Corruption.

He also called on the government to take more actions in their fight against corruption, and hold perpetrators accountable. “We’d like to see people held accountable when they break the law”, he said. The ambassador went to ask government to take additional steps to increase transparency in public procurement, so that Ghanaians can get best value and highest –quality service.

He also stated the readiness of the United States to work with the Ghanaian Government to achieve this aim, noting the three-day interactive workshop organized in June for staff of the Public Procurement Authority. “That’s not just talk. For example in June, we hosted a former Georgetown University law professor who specializes in public procurement reform in developing countries. He conducted a three-day interactive workshop with staff of the Public Procurement Authority.”

According to the ambassador, the U.S. is open to additional ideas for how to work together to increase transparency. A transparent public procurement process he said will attract companies and investors, facilitate more efficient spending of public funds and ensure citizens receive better infrastructure and services.

The speech read on behalf of the CEO of the Public Procurement Authority by Mr. Eric Appiah – Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the PPA, wasn’t shy to admit corruption in the public procurement process. “This notwithstanding, the practice of public procurement is saddled with very unfortunate statistics of corruption.”

It was reported that, about two-thirds of bribery cases occur in sectors closely associated with contracts or licensing through public procurement: the extractive, construction, transportation, storage and information & communication sectors.

The speech went on to say it is difficult to measure the exact cost of corruption due to its hidden nature, but stated that, the actual cost of corruption in public procurement is paid through badly constructed roads and supply of fake drugs among others. “Indeed, corruption in public procurement costs lives!” he added.

On the issue of using public procurement to minimize corruption, he stated that, the current government under the leadership of President Nana Akufo Addo has instituted measures such as, the establishment of Public Procurement as a Ministry, headed by the Honorable Minister for Procurement, Honorable Sarah Adwoa Sarfo and Office of the Special Prosecutor to augment efforts at stemming the tides of corruption in the country.

He also made mention that the PPA itself has also undertaken a number of initiatives in recent times to improve upon public procurement processes, in order to curb or minimize corrupt practices.

These measures include Electronic Public Procurement (e-GP) system, Unit Cost of Infrastructure Budget Estimator Tool, which he said is designed to eliminate the risks associated with unrealistic budget estimates and the launch of a Procurement Practitioners Code of Ethics that will guide the activities of procurement practitioners and help maintain a high standard of integrity.

Mr. Appiah also talked about two purpose driven operational units established by the authority to enhance credibility. “I am pleased to announce to you, that with the appointment of its current Chief Executive, the PPA, has established two (2) purpose driven operational units to enhance the credibility of the Authority’s operations and processes. The Units are the Due Diligence/ Value for Money and the Procurement Audit Units.”

These initiatives he said has in the past Eight (8) months made savings to the tune of over GH₵120 Million to the Ghanaian economy, which otherwise would have been eroded through padded contracts sums and other procurement malpractices. Mr. Appiah further called on stakeholder to join the PPA in fighting corruption.

“I therefore call on all to unite and support the PPA and the Ministry of Public Procurement in their fight against corruption in order to Strengthen Ghana’s Democracy; Promote Justice; Support Education that will Bring Prosperity and Safeguard our Development efforts.”

The Minister of State in charge of Public Procurement, Hon. Sarah Adwoa Sarfo was expected to speak at this event, but could not make due to her unavailability. The event ended with a question and answer session, when member asked various question concerning the initiatives instituted by the Procurement Authority and made various suggestion as to how these initiatives can be made better.

U.S. Ambassador Robert P. Jackson also commended the American Chamber of Commerce for organizing these events stating that, “these events provide meaningful opportunities to begin a dialogue on some difficult topics. It’s a chance to advocate on behalf of American companies operating in Ghana.”

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U.S. Ambassador Urge Government to Redouble Effort to Protect I.P Rights in Ghana

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Robert P. Jackson on Tuesday November 28, 2017 urged the Ghanaian government to redouble its efforts in ensuring that intellectual property rights are protected in the country. The Ambassador said this while speaking at AFAM Concept’s ‘Beauty Splash Hair Festival 2017’ held at the Trade Fair centre in Accra.

Present at this event was the second lady of the Country, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, the Executive Secretary of AmCham, various associations of hairdressers in Ghana and their members, vendors of AFAM Concept products, executive from AFAM Concept Ghana and Nigeria and other players in the hair and beauty industry.

Ambassador Jackson in his remarks said the beauty industry is a sector that offers great promise and stated that the sector has shown remarkable growth over the past years. However he added that as the industry expands, so does the threat from counterfeit products. “While some of these products are merely standard, some are downright harmful to the consumer and to the industry professionals using them.”

“American companies are excited about investing and doing business in Ghana. I applaud President AkuffoAddo’s focus on making Ghana a better place to do business. We appreciate the positive steps already taken, and we encourage the government to redouble its effort to protect intellectual property, seek out fake goods, and hold accountable those who defraud the public.” The Ambassador added.

The second lady, Mrs. Samira Bawumia in her speech urged the hairdressers to take their work seriously, and that they play a vital role in growing Ghana’s economy. She went on to say; it is only when their businesses grow that they can employ people, thus creating jobs for the people.

The AFAM Concept product exhibited included Ossat Naturals, Vitale Olive Oil, Hawaiian Silky Herbal, Leisure Curl, Smooth Organics, Elentee Soy Organics, Organic Hair Energizer, Vitale Pro, Sazzy Botanicals and Hawaiian Silky Organ Oil. The program was organized to exhibit premium hair care brands, provide professional hair care education, discount sales of hair products, display hair styles and entertain the attendees.