AmalBank

Amalgamated Bank Limited (AmalBank) was incorporated on May 29, 1997 under the Companies Code 1963 (Act 179), licensed by the Bank of Ghana on December 13, 1999 to carry on the business of merchant banking under the Banking Law 1989, PNDCL 225 and started operations on December 20, 1999.

Within seven years, AmalBank acquired a Universal Banking License by inviting a strategic investor, Meeky Enterprises of Nigeria, to take 49% of its equity in 2006. Meeky is also a major shareholder in Oceanic Bank PLC (Nigeria), and AmalBank is currently fully exploiting the synergies that are available within the group.

With the capital injection, Amalbank now has ¢72 Billion as its paid up capital and has embarked on an aggressive expansion in its business office network (branches) and its product offering. By the end of 2007, we expect to have about 15 Business Offices in all the major markets in the country.

The Bank has developed a focused approach to servicing its markets, the major fulcrum being relationship banking; the ability to meet the financial needs of various sectors of the economy least served by the existing financial institutions, by providing quality and prompt service, through positive engagement with each customer.

We are also building the foundations, through our network of associated businesses, to become a key player on the West African financial services market. For details http://www.amalbank.com.gh

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) is a government agency, re-established under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 1994 (Act 478): To encourage, promote and facilitate investments in all sectors of the economy except mining and petroleum.

The Company builds on the expertise of its non-executive directors and multinational management team in the areas of International Finance, Recruitment, Training, People and Project Management, Corporate Restructuring and Change Management, Debt Management and Factoring.

To co-ordinate and monitor all investment activities falling under Act 478 and assist both domestic and foreign investors in:

• Initiating and supporting measures that will, enhance the investment climate in the country for both Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian companies


• Promoting investments in and outside Ghana through effective promotion


• Collecting, collating, analysing and disseminating information about investment opportunities and sources of investment capital, and advising on the availability, choice or suitability of partners in joint-venture projects


• Registering and keeping records of all enterprises to which this Act is applicable


• Identifying specific projects and inviting interested investors for participation in those projects initiating, organizing and participating in promotional activities such as exhibitions, conferences and seminars for the stimulation of investments


• Maintaining a liaison between investors and ministries, government departments and agencies, institutional lenders and other authorities concerned with investments


• Providing and disseminating up-to-date information on incentives available to investors


• Assisting investors by providing support services including assistance with permits required for the establishment and operation of enterprises


• Evaluating the impact of the Centre on investments in the country and recommending appropriate changes where necessary


• Registering and keeping records of all technology-transfer agreements relating to investments under this Act


• Performing such other functions as are incidental to the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

For details kindly visit http://www.gipc.org.gh

Diaspora Africa Forum

Diaspora Africa Forum exist "to invite and encourage the full participation of Africans in the Diaspora in the building of the African Union, in its capacity as an important part of the Continent". We provide the vital linkage for diaspora Africans to become involved in Africa's development as well as reap the fruits of African unity. "Many may not fully recognize that the African Diaspora Nation is within the top 10 richest nations in the world. We are coming home with remarkable knowledge, talent, skills... We are absolutely abounding with top scientists, engineers, military advisors, medical doctors, social scientists, teachers, financial executives and hard workers. We have worked in top institutions, both in the public and private sectors... We now add to that knowledge African holistic connection to the land, the language, the culture, the governing bodies, the civil society, and we will make a powerful partner with our brothers and sisters at home."
Dr Erieka Bennett, Interim Chairperson of the Diaspora African Forum, Convener of Accra 2004.

For details on Diaspora Africa Forum kindly visit http://www.diasporaafricanforum.org