AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary Visits Avis Ghana and Landtour Ghana Ltd.

Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Mr. Simon Madjie paid a visit to  Avis Ghana. The visit was to interact with the business owner and employees to have a first hand experience and look into their operations. Mr. Madjie had conversations with management, other employees and the CEO, Ms. Mona Boyd who also doubles as the CEO of Landtours Ghana Ltd.

Avis Rent A Car has been a licensee of Avis Europe since 2000. Their services range from vehicle rental/leasing, corporate transportation, airport transfers, shuttle services and travel services with a fleet of over 50 vehicles which include sedans, 4x4s, mini buses, luxury vehicles and coaches.

Over the years Avis Ghana has been the preferred provider of transportation services for most foreign missions, multi-national corporations and local Institutions. They have provided transportation for three (3) US Presidential visits (including President Obama), the Queen of England, the Heads of States of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil and India. Avis Ghana has 40% of the vehicle rental and leasing market share in Corporate Ghana.

Ms. Boyb runs Landtours Ghana Ltd. from the same premises. Landtour is a full service destination management company that has over 10 years experience in ensuring clients’ tourism, corporate events, travel and conference needs are met beyond exceptions.

Landtour Ghana Ltd.  provide services ranging from corporate travel planning, product lunches, events, exhibitions, incentives, corporate conference and meetings. Landtour is headquartered in Ghana and operates in six other West African countries; Senegal, Gambia, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire.

[unitegallery AvisVisit2018]

Learn More: www.avisghana.com        www.landtour.com 

Contacts: 

  • Address | 199 Soula Loop North Labone, Accra
  • Phone | (+233) 030 276 1752
  • Fax | (+233) 030 276 1751
  • Email | rentacar@avisghana.com \ travelafrica@landtours.com

Tanink Ghana Limited Joins AmCham Ghana

A leading car dealership Tanink Ghana Limited, a member of the Tanink Group has fulfilled all necessary requirement  and is now a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana. Tanink is distributor of Alfa Romeo, Fiat and IVECO vehicles, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and American luxury cars.

In 1998, Tanink Group was incorporated and authorised to carry on business as general merchants and manufactures representatives. Tanink later acquired the dealership of O&K Mining of Germany, manufacturers of mining excavators and through magnificent management of O&K Mining, the franchise quickly became the leader of mining excavators in Ghana. In the year 2000 CASE (France) and Astra Vehicoli (Italy) appointed Tanink as their sole agents due to the outstanding management of O&K. In 2005 Tanink had invested well over $4.0M in the construction of a modern showroom/warehouse complex to better position itself in Ghana’s automotive industry.

The Chamber’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Simon Madjie had a conversation with Tanink Ghana’s Head of Sales, Ms. Rebecca Ayeh. She talked about the fleet of cars Tanink has for sale and the other services that her outfit renders, including attractive discount on all vehicles available for sale.

Watch Video Below.

Contacts:

Sales: +233-501-274-487 / +233-204-332-517

Customer Care: +233 204-332-517

www.taninkgroup.com

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

 

FedEx Ghana to Offer U.S. Companies Discount on their Services

The Executive Secretary of AmCham Ghana, Mr. Simon Madjie visited the premises of iAS Ghana Ltd, a total logistics company in Ghana and a licensee of Federal Express Corporation. The visit was to interact with staff and have a firsthand experience on how the company runs its operations. This is a part of the Chamber’s initiative to throw spot light on the operation of member companies.

The Executive Secretary interacted with the Paul Tandor – CEO, Mr. Hajji Zakariah A. Attah -Director of Technical and Operations, and the acting Sales and Marketing Manager, Ms. Abigail Ananie who revealed that the company is willing to provide discounts on their services to American companies in Ghana. iAS also currently runs both FedEx and TNT after the two Courier company merged in 2017.

iAS is a total logistic company with branch offices in all 10 regions as well as some district capitals, the company provides carrier opportunities for about 400 staff across the country. iAS is an air express company providing fast, reliable services including tracking, tracing and provision of proof – of- delivery and time sensitive package to various destinations in Ghana and worldwide.

The company reports directly to FedEx office in Dubai, being the head office for all business activities in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Services Offered

  • International priority services
  • iAS domestic services
  • iAS freight services

 

Interested member companies should contact Abigail Ananie, Sales and Marketing Manager on 0501498223 or abigial@iasghana.com

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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 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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AmCham Luncheon Meeting With Chief Justice On Enhancing Ease Of Doing Business

AmCham in collaboration with GARIA on Thursday November 2, 2017 hosted the Chief Justice of  Ghana, Her Ladyship Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo,  the US Ambassador to Ghana, dignitaries from the  multinational business fraternity and some top industry lawyers at the Kempinski hotel in Accra to discuss reforming the Judiciary to enhance ease of  doing business.

The event was organized to bring the custodians of the country’s laws and the business community  under one roof to dialogue and find mutual grounds where law will aid business and vice versa. Ambassador Robert P. Jackson in his  remarks said American businesses are attracted to invest in the Ghana because of stability and the success of the  nation’s  democracy; but  there are some challenges bedevilling the efforts of these businesses.

According to Ambassador Jackson, “Intellectual property rights are not protected, public procurement processes lack
transparency, disputes arising over land ownership, contractual agreements are not honored, greater local content  is ill defined and law meant to protect interests are weakly enforced, if at all.”

He went on to say that of particular concern has been endemic corruption and lack of government transparency that undermine progress.

 

According to Ambassador Jackson, American businesses and investors have long been at the forefront of deepening  ties between our two countries. He went on to state that this partnership has great potential because great things  have already been accomplished. “Yet while we celebrate and recognise Ghana’s achievements, we must commit  ourselves to set the bar of standards even higher in order to strive for and attain Ghana’s full potentials.”

“Not doing so risks setting Ghana back on its journey and on the promise of a brighter future that youth are rightfully entitled to expert.” He added.

The Ambassador also stated that the United States is committed to contributing to economic growth beyond aid with a focus on promoting greater U.S. investment.

Touching on these issues, Her Ladyship Justice Sophia Akuffo said the respect for property rights and contract  enforcement as well as the predictability in the framework of rules are important requirements for business growth  and needed to be promoted. She said “The confidence business men and women have that their contracts and  property rights will be determined by an independent and impartial judiciary is vital to the facilitation of business.”

She went on to say inefficiency in justice delivery has been identified as a deterrent to investor confidence in  the nation. She said Judicial reforms were part of a  national development policy captured in documents covering the Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy 1. “It is this national policy framework that under girded the Judicial Service  reform in its development.” She added.

The Chief Justice also stated some strategies mapped out to the reform vision. These included a fundamental review of commercial law reform initiatives. Improving access to justice for businesses and enhancing the use of  Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within the Judicial Sector Reform Programme and developing cost effective solutions for enhancing access to justice.

According to Justice Akuffo, new and extensive rules have been incorporated on proceedings relating to intellectual property and other rights in responds to market needs. She further said special rules of court have been formulated for the commercial courts to support businesses with effective justice delivery.

She said a specialised court for the speedy adjudication of land and property rights dispute has been set up. She added that the court has jurisdiction in land litigation and empowered to apply the provision in the rules to determine preliminary boundary issues to dispose matters at its early stage without going through full trail.

Implementation of the reform initiatives she said were fine-tuned to rest on a stronger focus on training and capability building for the judiciary staff of the service, institutionalising court-annexed ADR. Institutional strengthening and infrastructural development, review of the Law and Rules and Procedure in the court. Policy development and implementation. Image building and improving access to justice.

On the “elephant in the room”, Justice Akuffo said a weak justice system is bound to promote corruption and assured business people of an efficient and effective system of justice will deal with corrupt transactions and said that the propensity in business transaction will be licensed.

To ensure certainty and reduce abuse of the administrative machinery, she said the Rules of Court have directed every law suit  filed in the Commercial Division be subjected to pre-trail  settlement conference.

From a distance, it seems the government is dedicated to curbing corruption and undergo crucial reforms to  enhance ease of doing business; this Ambassador Jackson acknowledged and applauded some of the reforms which have
already been instituted. But he wants to see more actions taken. “We look to the government to hold people  accountable when laws are broken.”

Ambassador Jackson also urged America businesses to abide by four golden principles; hire and train Ghanaians,  share first class technology with Ghanaians, engage in corporate responsibility programs in communities in which  they operate and under penalty and enforcement of U.S. laws. never engage in corruption.

Ghana ranked 108 out of 190 countries in overall ease of doing business in 2017 and in enforcing contracts, the country ranked 54. The indicator on enforcing contracts measures the time and cost of resolving disputes through local courts.

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AmCham Holds 2017 Thanksgiving and Charity Ball

Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta reiterated the 2018 budget and explained some key components at the 2017 AmCham Ghana Thanksgiving dinner and charity ball held at the banquet hall of the state house in Accra, on 17th November 2017.

The minister was the guest speaker at the event and he touched on the ‘One district, One factory’ policy of the new government. He said the government looks forward in partnering with organizations like AmCham and its Members in implementing this policy.

Hon. Ofori-Atta also stated some measures instituted by the new administration to stabilize the economy to create a business friendly environment. Some of these measures he said included the abolishment of 17.5 percent VAT/NHIL on Financial Services, Excise duty on Petroleum and the replacement of 17.5 percent standard rate with a 3 percent flat VAT/NHIL rate for supplies by retailers and wholesalers.

“To ensure irreversibility of the stability we have achieved, we are implementing structural measures to tackle some of the long-term structural issues.” The minister added.

Prior to the minister’s speech, Ambassador Robert P. Jackson gave a much light toned speech. He started with a brief history on Thanksgiving. “I am sure most of us are familiar with the story we associate with the first Thanksgiving: back in the year 1621, the pilgrim settlers to America gathered with the Native Americans at Plymouth Plantation to celebrate their bountiful harvest.”

The Ambassador went on to share some fact about Thanksgiving. He began with the fact that even though Thanksgiving started in 1621, it didn’t become an annual, national holiday until the 1860s.  He also expressed Americans love for turkey and said their first diplomat, Benjamin Franklin, liked turkey even more than most Americans.

Ambassador Jackson’s speech wasn’t all about turkey; he talked about Thanksgiving also doubling as a period of reflection. “Tonight is a time of fellowship with each other, but it is also time to consider how we can give back to the community and make a positive difference in the lives of Ghanaian citizens.” He added.

He said he admire the work of American companies are doing in Ghana, and that their innovative, high quality goods and services that they provide are highly valued by the Ghanaian market. The Ambassador went on to say “it is interesting how, over time, American companies have evolved their philosophy about what it means to be a “good” business. It is much more than just an entity that makes profit.”

“I am proud to represent the United States and U.S. companies here in Ghana as your ambassador.” He added.

The events also doubled as the 20th anniversary since the Chamber was officially launched, and the first president of the Chamber was present.  Before presenting awards to some staff that have been with the Chamber since its insertion, he told a story of the launching of Chamber, an event which had the then President FLt Jerry John Rawlings as a special guest.

 

The current president of the chamber, Mr. Joe Mansah also shared a story on how the embassy helped him setup IBM in Ghana, and encouraged American business who a yet to join Chamber to do so. “Come be part of our organization and let’s drive the agenda together.” Mr. Mensah urged.

Some outstanding Menders were also awarded with certificates of appreciation for the various roles they have played in advancing the agendas of the Chamber. The president and the Ambassador honorably presented these awards to Ayesha Bedwei from PwC, Edward William Wiafe of Landsar Developer and Nii Amanor Dodoo of KPMG. Kimathi Partners were also presented a plaque of appreciation for being the headline sponsor of the Thanksgiving event.

It was a night of glitz, good music, good food, champagne and wine, but the less fortunate was not left out. There was an art auctioning and Delta Airlines ticket sales with proceeds going to support a local charity.  This year’s Thanksgiving event can be described as a success and the Chamber hopes to repeat it, and of course upon it with the help of its Members.

From the president, Mr. Joe Mensah, “The future is bright, we just have to do things right.”

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