Ghanaian Entrepreneurs Hold Discussions with Ambassador and Staff

Washington DC – For a Ghanaian entrepreneur to maintain a strong market presence in the United States, he or she requires a clear understanding of U.S. trade standards, excellent product branding, effective networking and tenacity to break through in a competitive market according to Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States. H.E. Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah made these remarks during a meeting with a group of entrepreneurs from Ghana who visited the Ambassador and staff on January 18, 2019, at the chancery.  The group accompanied by Executives from TechnoServe, was in Washington DC to attend a multiyear project themed Enhancing Growth in New Enterprises (ENGINE), organized by the company and financed by the U.K. government through the Department for International Development (DFID).   DFID seeks to provide Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) with the relevant skills and resources to improve their business plans and internal operations and create a thriving community of entrepreneurs by increasing access to business development services and financing.

The entrepreneurs from Ghana included small business owners dealing in various products and services including shea butter, chocolate, black soap, bamboo products, and tourism.   Mrs. Stella Ansah, the head of the Trade and Investment Department and chairperson of the event noted that there are several challenges Ghanaian entrepreneurs face when trying to penetrate the American market. She encouraged the entrepreneurs to share some to f these challenges noting that such information would help the trade department to develop an effective system to help guide potential entrepreneurs interested in the U.S. market.

On their part, the group said that understanding America’s product standards is a prevailing challenge that they face when trying to bring their goods to the U.S.    Other challenges included taxes and business registrations in Ghana among others.  The Ambassador addressed the tax issues the group raised and provided pertinent guidelines and suggestions to help alleviate their concerns.  Additionally, he commended the team for their achievements and ability to group together.  He said forming strong networks is essential for growth and success of private enterprises, as well as small businesses. He was happy to note that the group had congregated and formed a strong network and thought that it reflected hope for other small businesses in Ghana.

H.E. Dr. Adjei-Barwuah pledged the Embassy’s support in assisting the efforts of the group and said he would reach out to government agencies in Ghana and request for assistance for entrepreneurs interested in doing business in the United States Network.

Nana Frimpomaa Williams, Private Sector Advisor (DFID, UK) and leader of the visiting team, thanked the Ambassador and staff for engaging the group in fruitful discussions.  She hoped for a continued relationship between the group and the Embassy and said they would depend on the Embassy to help the entrepreneurs navigate the competitive U.S. market.

By Angeline Addy,
Information & Public Affairs Dept.