UK-Ghana Investment Forum, July 2010

Developing Markets Associates in conjunction with the High Commission of Ghana to the United Kingdom, hosted the UK-Ghana Investment Forum 2010.

The event was attended by some 300 delegates who were welcomed with opening comments by HE Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Ghanaian High Commissioner to the UK, Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive of Developing Markets Associates and Baroness Lynda Chalker, Chairman, Africa Matters Limited. The opening address was given by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama,Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

The conference was addressed by Ghanaian government ministers such as Hon Dr Fifi Kwetey, Deputy Minister of Fiance and Economic Planning, Hon Joe Kwashie Gidisu, Minister for Roads and Highways and Hon Dr Joe Oteng-Adeji, Minister for Energy; members of the business community such as Kwamina Asomaing of Stanbic Bank, Angus McCoss, Exploration Director,Tullow Oil and George Aboagye, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC); and sessions were chaired by amongst others, HE Dr Nick Westcott, British High Commissioner to Ghana, Professor Paul Collier, CBE, Rt Lord Steel of Aikwood and Rt Hon Lord Paul Boateng.

PROGRAMME
The UK-Ghana Investment Forum 2010:
Enhancing Economic Growth through Competitiveness, Diversification and Infrastructure Development
London, July 8th, 2010
For presentations please click on the speaker’s name

8.00am - 9.00am
Registration and refreshments

9.00am - 9.15am
Welcome addresses and opening comments HE Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo, Ghanaian High Commissioner to the UK Baroness Lynda Chalker, Chairman, Africa Matters Limited

9.15am - 9.30am
Opening Address
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Vice President, Government of Ghana

9.30am - 10.45am
Session 1: Setting the Scene – Ghana’s investor friendly environment as the investment Gateway to Africa This session charts Ghana’s key achievements and demonstrated commitment to economic growth in a politically stable, multi-party democracy and its success with development partners in creating one of the most attractive investment destinations in Africa, and its emergence as a regional economic power. It further outlines its macro economic stability and presents some key opportunities for the foreign direct investment community.
Chair: HE Dr Nick Westcott, British High Commissioner to Ghana
• Hon Fifi Kwetey – Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Government of Ghana
• Millison Narrh, Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana
• George Aboagye, CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
• Kwamina Asomaning, Stanbic Bank
Q & A session

10.45am - 11.00am
Refreshments break

11.00am - 12.30pm
Session 2: Oil and Gas, Infrastructure Development and Energy
Major private sector participation is being sought for infrastructure development projects; projects are already being undertaken by globally renowned multinationals in the development of major roads linking cities, towns and villages. There is also scope for much needed development of the rail system and expanding facilities at the two major ports.
Chair: Professor Paul Collier, CBE, Professor of Economics and Director for the Centre for the Study of African Economies, University of Oxford
• Hon Joe Kwashie Gidisu, Minister for Roads and Highways, Government of Ghana
• Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, Minister for Energy, Government of Ghana
• Angus McCoss, Exploration Director, Tullow Oil
Q & A session

12.30pm - 1.30pm
Networking lunch

1.30pm - 2.30pm
Session 3: Investing in key business sectors – Growth Industries
This session is an opportunity to highlight the host of incentives, benefits and guarantees available under the Ghana Investment Promotion Act 1994, as well as the proven success in the privatisation of state owned assets. With low inflation, and real year on year growth, there has never been a better time to invest in one of Africa's most exciting economies and politically stable countries.
Chair – Rt Hon Lord Steel of Aikwood
• Hon Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Government of Ghana
• Katrina Haley, Managing Director, Head of Structured Bonds EMEA, HSBC
• Lydia Lariba Bawa, Area Manager, Northern Sector Ghana, SIC Insurance Co Ltd
• Abraham Kwadwo Boateng, Managing Director, SIC Financial Services Ltd Q & A session

2.30pm - 3.00pm
Refreshments break

3.00pm - 4.50pm
Session 4: Investing in key business sectors – Mining, Agriculture and Fisheries, T ourism With a history associated with gold mining, Ghana is currently the 10th largest gold producer in the world and with other minerals such as manganese, diamond and bauxite there is ample opportunity for mining and mineral exploration. Investment in the sector will surely see significant returns.
As the second largest global producer of cocoa and second highest exporter of timber and wood products in Africa, Ghana’s natural resources makes it one of the wealthiest African countries in terms of agriculture, mineral and water resources. Ghana’s fishing resources are abundant and teaming with fish in short supply in other areas of the world. The agricultural and fisheries sectors present enormous opportunities for profitable investment.

Hosting a number of World Heritage sites alongside the natural beauty of beaches, game reserves, wildlife protection areas, waterfalls and lakes, Ghana has plenty to offer in terms of tourism and the sustainable tourism industry is poised to realise its true potential.
Chair: Baroness Lynda Chalker, Chairman, Africa Matters Limited
• Hon Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Government ofGhana
• Hon Kwesi Ahwoi, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Government of Ghana
• Hon Kobby Acheampong, Deputy Minster for Tourism, Government of Ghana
• Julius Debrah, CEO, Ghana Tourist Board
• Dr Yaw Adu Ampomah, Deputy CEO, Ghana Cocoa Board
Q & A session

4.50pm - 5.30pm
Session 5: Remittances and Raising Capital through the Diaspora
Remittances to Ghana are an important source of income and development financing formally estimated at around US$ 2 bn per annum. This session will focus on the joint role of the Government, donor agencies and the private sector in improving the remittances corridor between the UK and Ghana and meeting customer needs. The session will also emphasise the importance of Ghana’s UK Diaspora and the role they can play in investing in their country’s development.
Chair: Rt Hon Lord Paul Boateng
• Hon Fifi Kwetey – Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Government of Ghana
• Leon Isaacs, Managing Director, International Association of Money TransferNetworks (IAMTN) and CEO, DMA
• Geoffrey Wynne, Partner and Co-Chair Africa Committee, Denton Wilde Sapte LLP
• D.K.D. Letsa, Partner, Bentsi – Enchill Letsa & Ankomah Legal Practitioners, Ghana
Q & A session

5.30pm - 5.45pm
Closing Remarks

5.45pm - 7.00pm
Gala reception