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CEO’s Connect 2024: Exploring Business Opportunities for Economic Growth

The Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM) hosted its highly anticipated event, CEO’s Connect 2024, on August 15, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra. This high-profile breakfast event brought together over 110 participants, including experts from the private sector, regulatory institutions, government representatives, the diplomatic community and some Canadian companies, to discuss the theme: “Exploring business opportunities for economic growth through joint ventures between Ghanaian and Canadian Businesses.” The Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Mrs. Edwina Atta-Sonno, in her welcome address expressed gratitude to some institutions and government representatives for their support since the inception of CEO’s Connect in October 2021. She took the opportunity to thank the President of the Ghanaian Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ontario and their Canadian partners for their unwavering commitment to the event. She assured participants that CEO’s Connect will continue to offer valuable opportunities for networking as well as engagement with industry leaders, and government representative to help access accurate business information for decision-making. The President of CANCHAM, Mrs. Linda K. Vasnani, in her opening remarks highlighted the importance of joint ventures in navigating the complexities of the global economy. She stressed that embracing these partnerships could be pivotal in fostering strategic collaborations and boosting foreign investments in Ghana. Mr. Yofi Grant, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, reiterated that Foreign Direct Investments in Africa have decreased by 42% since COVID-19. He explained that the shift in investment strategies makes Joint Venture initiatives crucial in attracting investments that will drive economic growth and ultimately improve the standard of living for Ghanaians. Mr. Andrew Maharaj, Regional Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission and guest speaker, underscored the multifaceted benefits of joint ventures. He stressed on how partnerships with Canadian companies could attract significant investment, foster innovation, create jobs, and facilitate technology and skill transfer. He also noted the importance of environmental, social, and governance investments in enhancing local industries and sustainable development through these partnerships. The Special Guests of Honor and Keynote Speaker for the event was Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Minister for Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration. In an address delivered on her behalf by Chief Director, Ambassador Ramses J. Cleland, the Honorable minister highlighted some critical role that joint ventures play in revitalizing foreign direct investments, which have recently declined. She appealed to the African Diaspora in Canada to drive this agenda to help the resilient private sector to scale up. This year’s preliminary session featured a panel discussion with leading experts in government and industry, namely: Dr. Fareed Arthur, National Coordinator – AfCFTA, Mr. Yofi Grant, CEO of GIPC, Mr. Martin Kweku Ayisi, CEO of Minerals Commission, represented by Mr. Joseph Iroko, Mr. Egbert Faibille Jr., CEO of Petroleum Commission, represented by Dr. Edward Appiah Brafoh (Corporate Affairs Manager), Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade, CEO of Casa Foundation, Canada, Dr. M. C. Vasnani, CEO of Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited and Mr. Daniel Kwadwo Owusu, Country Managing Director, Deloitte Ghana. The panelists shared insights on how strategic partnerships through joint ventures could be a game-changer for Ghana, particularly in the mining, oil & Gas and the agriculture sector, and how these collaborations could attract the much-needed foreign direct investments that Ghana needs now. They also urged local companies to strategically position themselves to take advantage of the partnerships and joint venture opportunities not only from Canada but also from other neighboring countries in Africa. The event was moderated by the most eloquent and dynamic Master of Ceremony, Jerry Adjorlolo. CEO’s Connect 2024 was a great success, offering valuable discussions and networking opportunities. The event highlighted how joint ventures can boost economic growth and innovation, paving the way for future collaborations between Ghanaian and Canadian businesses.