Author: Alexander Anyankwaa
In an exclusive interview, the CEO of the Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF), Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei, has shared insights into the promising business prospects that await Ghanaian businesses at the upcoming NEGFest 2024.
This is the maiden New England Ghana Festival (NEGFest) 2024, set to hold from Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 8, 2024 in the USA.
The Business Entrepreneurship Network part of the show will open the NEGFest on Friday 6th September 2024.
This aspect of the event is set to foster significant business connections and trade opportunities between Ghana and the New England Communities.
“We aim to connect with both local and Ghanaian communities to sustain promotional efforts.
By involving stakeholders with extensive knowledge and businesses in selected fields, we strive to achieve a common understanding,” stated Hon. Asafo-Adjei.
He emphasized the government’s support through incentives that encourage businesses to promote their services and seek collaborative opportunities between Ghana and the New England region.
“The event will focus on creating a robust and free trade environment between Ghana and New England
High-profile attendees will include the Governor of Massachusetts , members of Ghana’s Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Tourism, including various MPs and ministers.
Prominent business stakeholders with vast experience are also expected to attend, offering an invaluable platform for networking and idea exchange.
….The Regional Chamber of Commerce of Worcester, comprising about 443 companies, will participate in the event. Notably, their CEO, alongside companies involved in solar energy, gas, and oil, has been invited.
This open invitation extends to all interested companies, aiming to foster a diverse and comprehensive business dialogue.
Ghanaian businesses such as Zoomlion, McDan, and Despite Group have also been invited to explore how best to expand policies in the New England region to further their ventures,” Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei disclosed.
The event promises to be a vibrant convergence of business minds, with support from Harvard University students who will be attending in significant numbers.
A dedicated session will facilitate the exchange of contacts, address participants’ questions, and explore the Ghanaian market’s policies, environment, and standards.
The liaison officer in trade at the embassy will be available to answer trade-related queries from the public.
Hon. Asafo-Adjei highlighted Ghana’s democratic environment and favorable trade conditions, underscoring the country’s attractiveness for business and investment.
This year’s event focuses primarily on business-oriented attendees, a shift from the previous year’s emphasis on policymakers.
The presence of legislators will still provide a crucial understanding of legislative and tax implications, beneficial for all attendees.
Reflecting on last year’s successful collaboration with the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the ‘Ghana New England Government Business Forum’ Hon. Asafo-Adjei noted the critical areas discussed, including tourism, aviation, education, health, and agriculture.
This year’s forum will build on these discussions, with new initiatives such as direct flights from Boston to Ghana, deploying Ghanaian nurses to Boston, and agricultural exchange programs under the 1D1F and Planting for Food and Jobs initiatives.
Educational collaborations will also feature prominently, with plans for exchange programs and MoUs with Worcester State University, UMAS, and WPR to facilitate student exchanges and other collaborative efforts.
Hon. Asafo-Adjei concluded with optimism about the 2024 NEGFEST, anticipating it to be an exceptional event that will not only enhance business ties but also showcase Ghana’s rich culture and potential to the world.
The New England Ghana Festival (NEGFest 2024) Under The Auspices Of The Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF) is also in Partnership With The US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwaaba Clinic, Nananom, Local Churches, And The entire Ghana Community in New England
and several other esteemed entities.
