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Past Issues
GHANA
- USA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Organization To Be Liaison of Trade Between Ghana and USA
By Pauline A. Owusu
CHICAGO: - The Ghana – USA Chamber of Commerce (GUSACC) based in Chicago held their inauguration at Chicago State University (CSU) Friday March 30, 2001.
The occasion brought together numerous business-minded people who had all but one thing in common, that is, doing business in Ghana. Organized in conjunction with the Pan African Historical Theatre Festival Foundation (PANAFEST) featured prominent guests among others in the likes of Mr. Kojo Yankah, MP and chairman of PANAFEST, Hon. Seth Evans Addo, Minister of Trade and Investments from the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., Dr. Lafar A. Bokhari of CSU College of Business, Mr. Dapaa Siakwan, Deputy District Manager of Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Mr. Clement Timpo, president of Ghana National Council, Dr Walanyo Kpo, professor at CSU and owner of Transatlantic Consolidation Services(FASTRACS) and Dr. Kofi Noonoo, Psychotherapist and Chairman, Fellowship of Ghanaian Churches and Pastor of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church who officiated the swearing in of members of GUSACC.
Hosted eloquently by Dr. Ayesha S. Hakeem, CSU’s Ghana Conference Co-Chair, the function dealt into issues that informed prospective members about the proper procedures of embarking on a business venture in Ghana.
The event started promptly at 6:30 p.m. with President Dr. George Osei Asibey-Mensah of GUSACC. He began his opening remarks by expressing his great gratitude to all that had shown up for this history-making endeavor that began May 2, 1999 when 21 members met in Hyde Park at Robert Bennett’s luscious residence to discuss issues pertaining to the formation of the organization. Attorney Bennett had received a letter from the then president Jerry Rawlings stating his intentions for potential investors to consider Ghana when it comes to investments.
The organization’s mission is to operate as a commercial advocacy organization or liaison for commercial, industrial trade and other entities in Ghana and the U.S. seeking to promote the development, establishment or expansion of commerce, industry, trade and/or related activities in both countries.
GUSACC seeks to accomplish these goals by linking Ghanaian and American private, nonprofit and other organizations by promoting business and economic opportunities, cultural-enrichment activities, educational advancement through mutual understanding and knowledge, effective cooperation and sharing of relative resources and know-how, offering customized services to members and matching members’ requirements and needs. Membership fees are $250 for individuals, $500 for small businesses, and $1,500 for corporations. Prospective members would serve on the following committees, Agriculture, Commerce, Industry & Trade, Education, Health and Welfare, Finance, Fundraising & Investment and Safaris, Tourism, Transport and Travel.
Attorney Robert Bennett, Honorary Consul of Ghana and member of GUSACC, took the opportunity to inform patrons about the $10,000 scholarship that the Library of International Relations (LIR) has instituted for a legal scholar in Ghana. Applications for candidates are being accepted now. This grant offers a Ghanaian legal scholar back home with the chance for a legal fellowship at Chicago – Kent College of Law.
Thereafter, Hon. Addo reiterated on the advantages and the guidelines of doing business in Ghana. His speech encompassed a broad spectrum of issues as he spoke about the rule of law and democracy and how private resources are available and low corporate taxes are implemented. He spoke in the area of agriculture, wood, textile, electrical, housing, safari and provisions for tourists, real estate, water, roads and infrastructure.
Mr. Yankah spoke briefly about the impending PANAFEST that is slated to take place in Ghana July 27th – August 3rd. He also spoke about the film industry and how movie producers could capitalize on the tremendous opportunities and resources that are available.
Dr. Bokari spoke about international marketing being a key to minority businesses in that there is 95 percent of manufactured goods produced outside the U.S. particularly in Asia and that American small businesses can offer a lot to Ghana for example, the basic necessity of life in the area of food processing, textile, electronics, transportation in Africa. Now is the time for Africans to capitalize on the cheap labor and get in on the action.
Mr. Siakwan explained the advantages of transferring money through the GCB and the reliability of the establishment. He also encouraged potential investors to think about doing business through GCB. In between speakers, a cultural display of the provocative and sexy Adowa dance was performed by a group of young females much to the delight of patrons.
Rev. Dr. Noonoo was later called for the swearing-in ceremony as members of the organization were introduced. They include Dr. George Osei Asibey-Mensah, president; Mr. Anthony Kwateng, treasurer; Mr. John Williams, VP of information technology; Mrs. Elizabeth Afriyie, VP for business operations and marketing; Mr. Kwame Ampofo, culture and tourism; Mr. Augustine Afriyie, Mr. Sandy Osei Agyeman and Mr. Godwin Osei-Kuffour are executive members.
After the event, supporters were treated to some beautiful cooking by Lizbon Catering Services. For information on becoming a member, contact GUSACC at 312-220-0808.
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