Statement By The American Chamber Of Commerce On The Visit Of Vice President Kamala Harris

The Republic of Ghana and the United States of America continue to maintain their long-standing close relations anchored on their mutual commitment to freedom and democratic values. Ghana has in the past hosted several American dignitaries, including Former President Bill Clinton, Former President George W. Bush, Former President Barack Obama, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Former First Lady Melania Trump, and other Senior Members of past and present U.S. Administrations.

The visit of the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala D. Harris, is of unique significance because she is the first female vice president of the United States and the first woman of Indian and African heritage to hold that office. Her visit to Ghana and other parts of Africa is an inspiration for the next generation, especially for women leaders working on the continent.

Ghana and the United States have a long history of promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. As the country’s largest bilateral development partner, the United States has always maintained a keen interest in the economic development of Ghana. Bilateral trade between Ghana and the United States is reported to be $1.6 billion as of 2021. Ghana continues to enjoy substantial foreign direct investment from the United States as U.S. FDI into Ghana is estimated to be over 22 billion dollars over the last decade. These companies, through their operations in the country, make significant contributions to the country’s socioeconomic development. Apart from being large tax-paying entities, they continue to employ and develop the skills of thousands of Ghanaians. Also, through various initiatives and Corporate Social Responsibility activities, they have invested millions of dollars in improving the livelihood of host communities and other parts of the country. These companies played pivotal roles in Ghana’s fight against the deadly COVID-19 virus and continue to invest in people and institutions to mitigate the impact of the virus and support the country’s recovery process.

The American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, is of the firm opinion that the visit of Vice President Kamala D. Harris presents an immense opportunity for both countries to further strengthen their relations, especially in the areas of trade and investment. Ghana should take advantage of this golden opportunity and the moment when the focus of the U.S. would be on our country to drive home the need for more U.S. foreign direct investment, increase diaspora engagement, and strengthen cooperation in the creative, educational, health, security, and cultural sectors.

The government of Ghana must continuously institute the needed reforms that will allow the private sector to lead the economic recovery and position Ghana as the preferred destination for investors. These reforms are critical to reassure investors of the country’s commitment to a private sector-led economy and the growth of free enterprise. Government must also properly align its engagement with the four key pillars of the U.S. strategy towards Sub-Saharan Africa. Namely; to foster open societies; deliver democratic and security dividends; advance pandemic recovery and economic recovery; and support conservation, climate adaptation, and a just energy transition.

On behalf of all U.S. companies, subsidiaries, franchisees, and businesses in Ghana, we say Akwaaba (Welcome) to Vice President Kamala Harris and her entourage to the country, and we look forward to a productive and fruitful engagement with the Government of Ghana.

 

A statement issued by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon Madjie

Executive Secretary

American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana

 

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Promoting Trade and Investment: Minnesota-Ghana Business Roundtable and Business Reception

In collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, AmCham Ghana, on Thursday, July 7, 2022, hosted the Minnesota-Ghana Business Roundtable and a business reception in honor of the visiting trade delegation from the US state of Minnesota.

The trade delegation was led by Minnesota Africans United, with support from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The delegates included business leaders from various sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, ICT, and renewable energy. They were in the country to explore possible partnerships to bolster trade and investment between the state of Minnesota and Ghana.

Speaking at the business roundtable, the CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority, Dr. Mike Oquaye Jnr. stated that the free zones authority is diversifying with more focus on companies with foreign markets by providing incentives to drive production. “The Ghana Free Zones Authority used to concentrate mainly on exemptions for export, but now we are looking at a different future, and that future is giving incentives, monetary and non-monetary to companies that have foreign markets. So that is the exact kind of delegation that’s here.”

Dr. Mike Oquaye Jnr. reiterated the authority’s readiness to assist companies to establish their businesses in the country and encouraged the delegation to explore opportunities in the Agricultural sector as there are a lot of incentives that make for mutual benefits. He also noted the importance of US companies in the various industrial parks in the country. “Wherever we have had American companies as anchor tenants, we have been able to scale up in no time,” he added.

Yofi Grant,  CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, said Ghana is in the middle of the world and provides a 360-degree view, putting the country in a perfect position as the logistics hub of the world. He also noted the relevance of adding value to raw materials hence the government’s focus on manufacturing through its ‘One District One Factory‘ initiative.

He noted that Ghana’s peace, stability, and constitution that prohibits expropriation serve as security and assurance to investors that their interests are protected.

Other speakers at the roundtable included Kofi Adams from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, AmCham Ghana Executive Secretary, Simon Madjie, President and CEO of Minnesota Africans United, Basil Ajuo, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Patrice Bailey, and Laurie Kelleher, Commercial Officer, at the U.S. Embassy Ghana.

The Chamber also hosted the visiting delegates for a business reception to allow Chamber members to network and establish possible business relations.

The delegation from Minnesota included Ben Dossman from Bija Bonanicals, Micheal Birchard, VP for Diversity and Inclusion at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, Alexandra Spieldoch, CEO of Bountifeild Harvest, Samuel Ngwa, President and CEO of Dessco and Safari Pride, Brian Plourde, Founder of Lema Power, Richard Ayuk from Lema Power, Martin Akinseye from Concept Media, and Isaac Owens.

2022 US – Ghana Business Forum | Leveraging AfCFTA to Promote U.S-Africa Commercial Partnerships

The U.S Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana, will organize the 3rd high-level meeting between US and Ghanaian Government Officials and Businesses on the official visit of the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves. The U.S.-Business Forum is aimed at deepening diplomatic and commercial partnerships between Ghana and the United States for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). The theme for the 2022 U.S.-Ghana Business Forum is: “Leveraging the AfCFTA to Promote U.SAfrica Commercial Partnerships.” This event is in line with the drive by the AfCFTA Secretariat to engage the private sector, the African diaspora, and other strategic partners for the effective implementation of the Agreement.

When: Thursday, June 16th, 2022
Time: 9:00am-1:30pm
Where: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra

Click Here To Register

The forum will have plenary sessions with high-level government officials as speakers; and panel discussions on pertinent topics including Customs Modernization and Supply Chain Solutions to Promote Manufacturing Within the AfCFTA Zone; and Building Sustainable Digital Economy as a driver and an enabler for successful implementation of the AfCFTA.

Speakers at the forum include Honorable Ken Ofori-Atta (Minister of Finance) Deputy Secretary Don Graves (U.S Department of Commerce) Deputy Assistant Secretary Akuna Cook (U.S Department of State) Scott Eisner (President -U. S-Africa Business Center of the U.S Chamber of Commerce) Ayesha Bedwei IBE (President- American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana) and captains of the U.S-Ghana business community. The 2022 Forum aims to strengthen trade and investment, promote business partnerships, and opportunities between U.S. and Ghanaian businesses and review the manufacturing and digital sectors as enablers for the implementation of the single market project in Africa. At the end of the conference, it is expected that U.S.-Ghana commercial partnership will be projected and enhanced, focused on improving the investment climate in Ghana and the African continent.

Participants will be brought up to date on the latest trends in trade and investment on the continent and will have the opportunity to share their experiences and identify specific investment opportunities for future transactions. The Forum is organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Ghana U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S Embassy in Accra.

AmCham Ghana Meets With The New US Ambassador To Ghana

AmCham Ghana, on Monday, May 23, 2022, hosted the new U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia E. Palmer, at the AmCham secretariate.

The Ambassador met with the AmCham Ghana President, Ayesha Bedwei Ibe, and the Board of Directors for discussions on protecting and promoting the interest of U.S. companies as well as collaborating more on issues of mutual interest to further strengthen relations between Ghana and the United States.

Ambassador Palmer reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Chamber in creating a favorable business environment.

Ambassador Virginia E. Palmer was previously Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources at the Department of State, overseeing U.S. foreign policy engagement at the critical intersection of our energy, climate, and national security goals.  She took up that post after serving as Deputy Commandant of the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School.

Also present at the meeting were AmCham Ghana Vice President, Pakwo Shum, Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Dean Matlack, AmCham Ghana Board Members, including Adiki Ayitevie, Doris Afanyedey, Sulemana Abubakar, Philip Ayivor, AmCham Ghana Membership, External Relations and Project Manager, Jane Okyere-Aduachie, Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Stephanie Hutchison, and Commercial Officer, Laurie Kelleher.