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More than 70 business leaders from Poland and across Europe joined senior Ghanaian government officials, regulators and business executives in Accra on Thursday, October 29, for the maiden TOP CHARITY ChangeMAKERS Africa, a landmark gathering aimed at strengthening commercial ties between Ghana, Poland and the wider European and African markets.
Hosted by the Omenaa Foundation at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City under the theme “Connecting Art, Business and Philanthropy”, the inaugural forum brought together representatives of more than 30 Polish and European companies and institutions, alongside over 85 Ghanaian and international organisations spanning government, banking, investment, energy, agribusiness, media and the creative industries.
The European delegation included businesses from the construction and real estate, technology, manufacturing and retail sectors. The gathering also attracted representatives of Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community in Accra, alongside traditional leaders, politicians and prominent figures from business and the arts.
Among the personalities present were musician Gyakie and architect Nana Akua Oppong Birmeh, Founder and CEO of ArchXenus, Ghana’s first women-led architecture firm.
The programme opened with welcome remarks from Omenaa Mensah, Founder and President of the Omenaa Foundation, and Polish entrepreneur Rafał Brzoska. Daasebre Kofi Asante Mensa, Sabronum Manhene, addressed guests on behalf of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, while Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, delivered the welcome address on behalf of the Government of Ghana. Jerry Adjorlolo, Managing Director of Domotale Africa, served as Master of Ceremonies.
A high-level government panel, moderated by Nathan Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, CEO of EIB Network Group, examined the policy and regulatory environment for investment in Ghana and opportunities for deeper international cooperation.
The panel brought together Hon. Ahi; Abdul Razak Baba, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority; Dr Philip Abradu-Otoo, Director of Research at the Bank of Ghana; Dr Mary Awusi, CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority; and Dr Wojciech Zajączkowski, Undersecretary of State at Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions covered regulatory predictability, investor protection, taxation, land access, free-zone incentives, the financial system and the repatriation of profits. Panellists also addressed practical challenges confronting foreign investors, including permit processes and the high cost of energy.
The business leaders’ panel, moderated by Dr Anna Masłoń-Oracz, UNESCO Chair on Creative Industries at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics, shifted attention to the practical considerations involved in entering and expanding across African markets.
Its panellists included Dr Edward Nartey Botchway, Managing Director of Absa Bank Ghana; Aisha Maina, CEO of Aquarian Consult; Kojo Annan, Founder and Chairman of A10 (Africa10); Maciej Balsewicz, Managing Partner of Warsaw-based technology investor bValue; and Nana Akua Oppong Birmeh.
They explored how European companies can identify credible local partners, access financing to support expansion across Africa and navigate the complexities of recruitment, leadership and business operations in Ghana.
The discussions were followed by a sector-based business mixer designed to connect European delegates with potential Ghanaian partners across construction, finance, technology, manufacturing, energy, agribusiness, logistics, media and hospitality.
Organisers hope the connections established during the forum will translate into practical business collaborations, joint ventures and a stronger, long-term Polish business presence in Ghana.
The gathering marked the beginning of the Omenaa Foundation’s week of activities in Ghana, culminating in the official opening of the Omenaa Sport&Art Campus in Tema on Saturday, October 31.
