The holiday season is here again and just like you, I cannot wait to share in the joy of the holidays with family and friends.  This time with them is well-deserved and something that I always look forward to.

We entered 2024 as always on the unflappable wings of hope and optimism against the backdrop of a gloomy economic landscape.  We could only project that it would get tougher, and it did.  But you know what the legendary recording artist, Billy Ocean, said? “When the going gets tough, the tough get going”.  And going we did for we are made of sterner stuff!

Despite the economic doom and gloom, we made big plans for 2024, and just like any other organisation, the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) faced its fair share of challenges.  But the team thrived under the visionary leadership of our Executive Council, UK Advisory Board, together with the cooperation and support of our member companies, partners, and stakeholders. 

So, therefore, we end this year on a positive note and, as always, look forward to the new year with renewed optimism.  We are inspired by the tenacity of our member companies who continue to push against monumental odds to succeed in their endeavours.  With member companies like ours, we have no other option than to prove our mettle once again in 2025, demonstrating beyond all doubt, our commitment and dedication to creating opportunities for their continued growth.

The Year in Review

How would I describe our 2024 in one word?  Remarkable.  Allow me to elaborate.

Business Advocacy

UKGCC continued to drive business advocacy through a series of impactful initiatives, empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and addressing critical industry challenges.

These included seven (7) Platinum Member CEOs Breakfast Meetings with the British High Commissioner which featured the following special guests:

1. Mr. Emmanuel Oware, Director of Quality Assurance and Compliance, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
2. Dr. Evans Takyi Ankomah-Asare, Head of Compliance, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
3. Mr. Zakaria Laghzaoui, Senior Advisor to the Secretary-General of the secretariat of the AFCFTA – Accra – Ghana
4. Ms. Cynthia Gnassingbe, Senior Advisor-Private Sector Engagement, AfCFTA Secretariat
5. Ing. Dr. Abass Mohammed Awolu – Chief Director, Ministry of Roads and Highways
6. Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor – Bank of Ghana
7. Fechin Akoto, Head of Suspense Regimes at Ghana Customs
8. Mrs. Kate Djankwei Abbeo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Finance & Administration) of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA); Ms. Anita Quashie, Marketing and Investment Promotion Manager – GFZA; and Mr. Muhib Musah, Assistant Manager – Business Development and Research, GFZA
9. Edward Apenteng Gyamerah, Commissioner of the Domestic Tax and Revenue Division, Ghana Revenue Authority

We owe a great debt of gratitude to these personalities, whose presence and invaluable insight lent gravitas to our ability to facilitate direct access to the key stakeholders pertinent to business success, as well as promote collaborations that drive economic growth and strengthen UK-Ghana business relations.  Thank you.

Our 2023 Business Environment & Competitiveness Survey (BECS) report was published successfully at the beginning of this year, with the aim to assess the business environment as perceived by UKGCC member companies and the larger business community in Ghana.  I am pleased to announce that our 2024 report will be released before the end of this year.  As has been the practice, the report will be shared with Government through the relevant agencies for consideration in the formulation of business policies and legislation.  It will also be disseminated widely by our media partners.

We are grateful to Palladium Group for their immense financial support, which facilitated the launch of the BECS 2023 and 2024.  Our thanks also go to Maverick Research, whom we partnered again with for the 2024 BECS.

As part of our commitment to fostering economic growth and collaboration, we convened several sector-focused meetings across key industries, including Financial Services, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Extractives and Allied Industries, Business Advisory Services, Legal Services, and Telecommunications/IT/Education.  A notable highlight was the second Financial Services Sector meeting, where Mr. John Awuah, CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, delivered an insightful presentation on strategic planning for 2025.

In addition, our flagship Quarterly Tax Dialogue Series and Mandatory Regulatory Compliance for Businesses in Ghana Series were successfully hosted with the support of PwC Ghana and WTS Nobisfields respectively.  These initiatives comprised eight (8) webinars, collectively attracting approximately 1,500 virtual attendees.

Thank you to our key stakeholders, the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ministry of Finance, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, EY Ghana, G4S Security Services Ghana Ltd., National Pensions Regulatory Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, National Petroleum Authority, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and the Environmental Protection Agency.  Their participation ensured that we continue to play a critical role in sensitising and enlightening the private sector and the public on compliance with tax laws and regulatory frameworks, contributing to a more informed and compliant business environment.

Capacity-Building Highlights

Together with our member companies, we hosted impactful capacity-building initiatives which gave our participating member companies the opportunity to further entrench themselves as thought leaders.

To begin with, our member company, Oak Agility, presented a stirring webinar on Creating an Agile Organisation: How to Dominate your Industry Sector.  We followed this up with GCB Bank PLC’s SME webinar on Empowering Growth: Optimising People & Resources for the Digital Era, and finally partnered British International Investment to host their seminar on Environmental, Social and Governance Management System (ESGMS): A Business Compass for Navigating a Fast-Changing World.

We continued our ESG series with KPMG Ghana by co-hosting three (3) webinars this year to great success, in terms of attendance and extensive media coverage.

We are pleased to have been able to showcase the different leadership strengths of our member companies whilst building the capacities of businesses, to enable them compete in an ever-evolving world.  Thank you to Oak Agility, GCB Bank PLC, British International Investment, and KPMG Ghana for your collaboration and unique and invaluable insight.

Stakeholder Engagement

UKGCC actively engages in diverse stakeholder programmes and partnerships to advance economic development and foster investment opportunities.  Key initiatives this year included collaborations with British International Investment and Open Capital on inclusive investing.

We also participated in policy consultations such as the Ministry of Finance’s Draft International Business and Economic Transformation Bill and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre’s GIPC Amendment Bill.  Additionally, engagements with the International Trade Centre and the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office’s (FCDO) SheTrades Hub to empower women-led SMEs are worth mentioning.

The UKGCC played a pivotal role in dialogues on investment, trade, taxation, and sustainable development, including moderating discussions at the UK-Ghana Business Forum and contributing to forums like the Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research’s (ISSER) National Policy Forum and GIPC’s Economic Counsellors’ Dialogue.  Our participation in the Ghana Revenue Authority’s stakeholder engagement with eight (8) of our member companies as part of Tax Education Month is also worthy of note.

Strategic partnerships were formalised through MoUs with organisations such as the Ghana Venture Capital Association, Global Entrepreneurship Network–Ghana, Bank of Ghana/Development Bank Ghana on 3i Africa Summit and OGV Group on the West Africa Energy Summit 2024 enhancing collaboration across sectors.  These efforts underscore UKGCC’s commitment to driving socio-economic transformation, promoting public-private dialogues, and supporting Ghana’s sustainable development goals.

Networking

Building on the success of the previous year’s Corporate Sports Jamboree, this year’s edition promoted camaraderie, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle among employees of our member companies, their families, and distinguished guests through friendly sports competitions.  We are grateful to Vivo Energy Ghana, Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Blue Skies Ghana LTD., Voltic (GH) LTD., and Lucozade Ghana for their immeasurable support.

This year, our Happy Hour Networking Cocktail, hosted at the residence of the Deputy British High Commissioner to Ghana, afforded representatives of our member companies the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and establish valuable connections.

As an organisation with 80 per cent female representation, it would come as no surprise to learn that we partnered the British High Commission here in Accra to commemorate International Women’s Day with an empowering brunch.  Themed Invest in Women: Advancing Women’s Economic Empowerment, the event was grounded in the principles of inclusivity and equity, with the aim to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive economically.  We are grateful to Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC., British Airways, and Neon Acres Limited for sponsoring this event.

We followed up this event with A Jazz & Whisky Affair– a collaborative event with the American Chamber of Commerce Ghana and the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce. Imagine these three chambers of commerce who have been monumental in shaping and promoting trade relations between Ghana and their respective countries, gathering representatives of their member companies and key stakeholders for a night of networking featuring live jazz performances and whisky tastings.  Yes, it was everything you would think it would be- simply splendid in providing a platform where we could meet, establish, and nurture connections for business growth.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Voltic (GH) LTD., Coca-Cola Ghana LTD, and Tampico Ghana for their generous sponsorship, which indelibly etched the event into the history books.

October saw us at the Achimota Golf Club for Teeing up for Growth, a golf invitational we organised for Enterprise Group Plc.  The theme conveyed the idea of moving forward, setting goals, and achieving success in a dynamic and proactive manner.  Participants, comprising golf enthusiasts and business leaders, enjoyed a friendly competition and networking day, promoting collaboration and strengthening professional connections in an engaging and relaxed environment.

Our sincere gratitude to Enterprise Group Plc for graciously hosting this event. Additionally, we would like to thank Absa Bank Ghana LTD., Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Appolonia City, Voltic (GH) LTD., and Blue Skies Ghana LTD. for their generous support.

Also in October, we commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness by organising Blossoms of Hope for member company, Goldkey Properties LTD.  The event focused on breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.  During the event, survivors shared their stories, empowering fighters with information and resources, promoting collaboration among advocates, and offering onsite screening.  Our deepest appreciation to Goldkey Properties LTD. for driving the conversation, and to Blue Skies Ghana LTD. for their gracious support.

Finally, we ended our full slate of networking activities for 2024 with our first UKGCC CEO Networking Cocktail.  This exclusive event, hosted by member company, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra in one of their presidential suites, provided a luxurious and intimate setting for senior executives and CEOs to connect, share insights, and explore potential business collaborations.  We plan to continue this in ensuing years.  Thank you once again, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.

Trade Services

UKGCC successfully organised and participated in impactful trade missions to strengthen UK-Ghana trade relations and create strategic opportunities for businesses.

In May, we led a delegation to the SME XPO in London, which included networking, educational workshops on investments and finance, and bespoke B2B meetings with UK-based organisations such as Ramsden International and London Electric Vehicles Company (LEVC).

Back in Ghana, we collaborated with the Bank of Ghana and Development Bank Ghana to organise the transformative 3i Africa Summit 2024 which emphasised technology, finance, and innovation.

Later in September, we embarked on the Autumn Business Roadshow 2024, a flagship trade mission to the UK.  This mission strengthened trade relations between Ghanaian and British businesses, with particular focus on the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), electricals, household goods, automotive, renewable energy, and machinery sectors. 

Still in September, we came on board the West Africa Energy Summit as partners to help promote the inaugural event.  Organised by OGV Group in partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Energy, the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, the event was a platform for key stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the future of energy in West Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana’s role in the regional energy landscape.

Our involvement underscored the UKGCC’s pivotal role in promoting collaboration between Ghana and international partners, especially in vital sectors like energy.

October saw us lead a delegation to the Africa Financial Services Investment Conference (AFSIC).  Our delegation was exposed to sustainable investment opportunities in sectors such as mining, oil, and gas.  Beyond leading a delegation, which is no small feat, we also coordinated the Ghana Country Investment Summit, which provided our delegates the added benefit of engaging with prominent investors and financial intermediaries while exploring curated investment opportunities.

We followed this up in November with the UKGCC-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme Auto Roadshow in the UK.  This trade mission focused on the automotive sector and featured factory visits, policy discussions, and meetings with relevant stakeholders.

These missions underscore the UKGCC’s commitment to fostering international partnerships, promoting market access, and driving sustainable economic growth for Ghanaian businesses.

Our sponsors and partners, the British High Commission in Accra through the UK’s Department of Business and Trade (DBT), the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), the Bank of Ghana and the Development Bank Ghana, OGV Group, AFSIC, and Palladium continuously demonstrate great faith in our capabilities.  We do not take this for granted.  Thank you immensely for your support.

Doing Good with the UKGCC Hat and Flower Show

We continued our charity fundraising initiatives this year, this time with a Hat and Flower Show in support of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving education, healthcare, and community development in Ghana.  As eponymously named, the event featured hat and flower competitions, showcasing the creative talents of local milliners and florists- Hilmab Millinery, Herty Hats, and Rarepearl Millinery; and beautiful floral arrangements by Altitude Decor and Floral, Ritzy Events Ghana, and La Fleur Ghana, whose creations celebrated Ghanaian culture.

On 15th September 2024, proceeds from the Hat and Flower Show amounting to GHȼ100,000, were donated to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation to support their initiatives, particularly, the refurbishment of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Otumfuo’s Education Fund.

We are forever grateful to Turkish Airlines, Labadi Beach Hotel, Standard Chartered Bank PLC, IT Consortium, Chango Crowdfunding App, Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, Blue Skies Ghana LTD., and Voltic (GH) LTD for sponsoring the event.  We also extend our gratitude to our cash donors: Fidelity Bank Ghana, Consolidated Bank Ghana, Contracta Construction UK, B5 Plus Foundation, Golden Exotics Ltd., G4S Security Ghana Limited, and Vivo Energy Ghana.  We are also thankful to prize donors: The African Regent Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra, The Royal Senchi Hotel & Resort, Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, Caveman Watches, Viva Boutique, Vidya bookstore, Dominic Simpi Photography, Fame Jewellery Ghana, Fairway Ghana, Luxury Giftings, and Polish’d Beauty Bar Ghana for the amazing prizes for our best dressed guests and raffle winners.

Outstanding Success Stories

During the year, the UKGCC was honoured to receive sterling reviews on our work from some member companies.  For instance, Jean Michel Arlandis, Managing Director – Vivo Energy Ghana, expressed his organisation’s sincere gratitude to the UKGCC and the British High Commission for promoting stronger trade and economic ties between Ghana industries and the United Kingdom.

He remarked that “through your top-level advocacy, engagements, and strategic initiatives, the UKGCC has provided the platform and empowered member companies across sectors, including Vivo Energy Ghana, to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic growth”.

Jean Michel added that our “efforts have not only strengthened bilateral relations but have also opened new avenues for innovation, investment, and sustainable partnerships for businesses”.

He concluded that “Vivo Energy Ghana is proud to be associated with UKGCC, which exemplifies excellence and dedication to building a prosperous business ecosystem, and looked forward to continued collaboration and shared success”.

Testimonials like this affirm our work and spur us on to continue to do more in support of our member companies.

Another outstanding success story I am pleased to highlight is our continuing work with Palladium Group, who have supported our work immensely in 2024.  This year, Palladium played a vital role in amplifying the communication of our 2023 Business Environment and Competitiveness Survey, helping us reach a wider audience with its key findings.  Additionally, we were privileged to facilitate and maximise important connections and business to business meetings for delegates during the UKGCC and Palladium Ghana JET Auto Trade Mission.  Once again, with their support, we created a manufacturing sector segment in our 2024 Business Environment and Competitiveness Survey.

Support from our Local & International Network

I acknowledge those whose immense support helped the UKGCC’s continued existence throughout the year.  The Ghana High Commission in the UK; the British High Commission, Accra; the global network of British Chambers of Commerce; the European Chamber of Commerce Ghana; the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI); The Ghana Spare Parts Dealers Association; and the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA).  My appreciation also goes to our media stakeholders, especially the Multimedia Group, the Graphic Communications Group, Construct Africa, Trade Facilitators International, and the numerous media houses (Citi FM, Business24, Business Finder, TV3, GTV, UTV, and B&FT) who provided coverage for our events.  Thank you for your partnership and support.

Special mention goes to the Institute of Economic and Financial Journalists (IFEJ), who partnered with us again this year to commemorate World Press and Freedom Day themed, A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis.  Together with IFEJ, we toured member company, Golden Exotics LTD.’s farms in the Eastern Region to help the media in Ghana gain first-hand experience of a leading exporter, their opportunities, and challenges such as their recovery from the environmental crisis caused by last year’s Akosombo Dam spillage.  We made front page news, bringing needed attention to our member company and their needs.

We also express our sincere thanks to the UK’s FCDO and the DBT Accra for their invaluable partnership.  Their collaboration has enabled us to expand our impact, foster innovative trade solutions, and drive stronger ties between stakeholders across sectors.  Particular mention must be made of the renewed mandate from the UK’s FCDO to manage their Ghana Revenue Programme.  We do not take the confidence reposed in us lightly.

UKGCC is eternally grateful to all our partners.  We wish you prosperity in the new year and look forward to continuing to work together to achieve even greater heights.

Immense Gratitude

To all our esteemed member businesses, your unwavering support is the cornerstone of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce’s continued success.  We express our sincere gratitude for your continued membership, invaluable patronage and active participation.  Your commitment to our shared vision drives us to strive for excellence.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our Honorary Patrons, Harriet Thompson, Her Excellency the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, His Excellency Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK; the UKGCC Executive Council; and the UKGCC UK Advisory Board for supporting our work, providing leadership and being an indispensable pillar of support.  We will never be able to thank you enough.

I am able to mention all these activities the UKGCC has undertaken since the beginning of 2024 because of the dedication of the UKGCC team.  You are truly inspiring with your steadfastness and consistent diligence.  Your passion for serving our member companies, from organising impactful events to facilitating valuable connections, has always been the key to our success.  Sara-Adelaide, Afiba, Joscelyne, Pearl, Immaculata, Shirgade, Joshua, Kimberley, Jessica, and Anthony, thank you for your tireless efforts and for always going above and beyond to ensure the success of our member companies.  Your contributions are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

New Opportunities; Renewed Focus

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with immense gratitude for the collective efforts that have shaped our journey.  We look forward to building upon this momentum in the year ahead.  2025 promises to be a year of exciting new opportunities and challenges and we choose to face it with a great deal of hope and optimism, always.

We are committed to continuing our mission of fostering strong business ties between the UK and Ghana, and we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey once again.

Finally, as Ghanaians go to the polls on 7^th December 2024, I encourage those of us who are eligible to vote, to exercise our civic responsibilities and do so in a peaceful and responsible manner.  Let us exercise our inalienable right to choose a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

We wish you a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.  May the coming year bring you renewed hope, good health, happiness, and success.  Happy Holidays!