The event titled GIPC/GNBC 2022 CEO Forum, with the theme Ghana and Nigeria stronger together saw Corporate and SME CEO’s gather to learn about business and investment opportunities available in Ghana, along with the procedures, fees and licenses required to operate a business in Ghana.

The event was opened by the Ghana High Commission to Nigeria with supporting messages from the Lagos and Abuja Chamber of Commerce, ECOWAS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Nigeria Export Promotion Authority, with a closing from the councils sister organisation Nigeria Ghana Business Council all highlighting and emphasising the importance of Ghana and Nigeria’s centuries old relationship, brotherhood and strength together as the two strongest economies in West Africa whilst also, being the most influential countries globally.

PHOTO: Samata Gifty Bukari, Consul General, Ghana High Commission to Nigeria 

The forum displayed the appetite that Nigerians have to enter into Ghana via collaborative partnerships across sectors.

The CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Dr Afua Asabea Asare highlighted 17 key areas which Ghana requires support meeting production capacity that Nigerians can work with their Ghanaian counterparts to meet international quotas and requirements.

Ambassador Michael Aaron Oquaye Jnr, CEO of Ghana Free Zones Authority vibrantly displayed great enthusiasm for Nigerians to embrace the opportunities available along with highlighting key free zones areas.

He highlighted the importance of key government officials to be present at the next meeting to discuss bottlenecks that are slowing down and/or preventing Nigerians from doing business in Ghana.

Providing highlights on investment opportunities, tariffs and case studies of successful Nigerian businesses presently operating in Ghana, the Director of Investor Relations, Mr Edward Ashong-Lartey informed delegates that Ghana is presently in the process of reviewing its registration fees along with communicating progress of resolving the Nigerian traders situation which is presently outstanding.

PHOTO: Lagos delegates

The event closed with one of the key sponsors, Nartey Law Firm’s Managing Attorney Mr William Nartey providing a short presentation on highlighting the importance of bringing along SME’s as they are the primary drivers of both economies, in addition encouraging capitalisation not to be a barrier entry, ‘…Rather we should let it lend itself to explore opportunities for collaboration through the creation of well structured legal entities and partnerships.

Mr Nartey went on to express ‘risk is better managed when it is shared’.

The Executive Secretary to the Ghana Nigeria Business Council, Ms Nadia Takyiwaa-Mensah stated "this is not just a talk shop and we will be back - I will be bold enough to say 3-4 months time, so we can continue this conversation".

All key stakeholders and delegates deemed phase 1 to be a great success and are in the motion of planning phase 2 of strengthening the relation between Ghana and Nigeria and boosting trade.

Sponsors for the 2022 CEO Forum included Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Nartey Law Firm, Africa World Airlines, Alisa Hotels and Media Majique Research and Systems.

PHOTO: Mr William D. Nartey - Nartey Law Firm 

PHOTO: Abuja delegate