German Business Association Honours Nana

President Akufo-Addo in a handshake with Christoph  Kannengiesser

 

President Nana Akufo-Addo has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to German-African economic cooperation.

The German Business Association honoured him with a prestigious award during his attendance at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference last week.

The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Afrika-Verein (AV), Christoph Kannengiesser, as well as the CEOs of Bayer AG, C. Woermann, INZAG, Hospital Engineering and AIDIA.

Present at the ceremony was the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

Presenting the award, Mr. Kannengiesser praised President Akufo-Addo for strengthening German-Ghanaian cooperation during his tenure.

AV’s CEO noted that Ghana became the “go-to” country for German businesses under the President’s leadership, thanks in part to the appointment of Ambassador Gina Ama Blay.

“The fact that Ghana became the “go-to”- country for German businesses, that our industry leaders had the chance to meet multiple Ghanaian Ministers of Health, Energy, Trade or Finance – just to name a few.

“All that was because you, Your Excellency, understood that it is important who represents your beautiful country in Germany. You appointed Her Excellency Gina Ama Blay as Ambassador and together you put Ghana on the map for our political and private sector stakeholders. Thank you to Ambassador Blay for making Afrika-Verein the partner of your choice,” he stressed.

According to the Afrika-Verein boss, President Akufo-Addo’s first term saw significant milestones, including the launch of the Free Senior High School programme in 2017.

“This initiative doubled enrolment rates to over 1.6 million students by 2023/24, significantly increasing access to secondary education,” he said.

Mr. Kannengiesser indicated that Ghana also joined the G20 Compact with Africa in 2017, signing a Reform and Investment Partnership with Germany.

He added that the Ghana Automotive Policy, launched in 2019, transformed Ghana into West Africa’s automotive hub.

“Volkswagen established its first assembly plant, and partnerships between German and African automotive associations flourished, creating 3,000 jobs and expecting to generate $10 billion by 2027,” he said.

He noted that infrastructure development also saw significant investments, with Ghana securing over $3.4 billion for domestic and regional connectivity projects.

Notable projects include the Western Railway Line and Eastern Corridor Road, he disclosed and added that German exports to Ghana grew by 9% between 2017 and 2020.

The AV CEO compared the partnership between Ghana and Germany to a “good marriage” and acknowledged the President’s role in promoting German-African cooperation.

The President received multiple prestigious awards for his accomplishments, including a unique glass statue from AV.

Mr. Kannengiesser said President Akufo-Addo had demonstrated exceptional leadership, making Ghana a hub for intercontinental trade.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat was established in Accra in August 2020 and the President also played a crucial role in combating COVID-19, ensuring vaccines were available in Africa, with Ghana being the first country to receive vaccines through COVAX, he intimated.

He also said President Akufo-Addo’s engagement in peace efforts in West Africa further solidified Ghana’s position as a regional leader.

Under his leadership, he said Ghana’s economy witnessed significant growth, attracting over 155 German companies, up from 60 in 2016.

According to him, as the President completes his term, AV looks forward to celebrating the achievements of German-Ghanaian projects.

The CEO emphasised that despite the President’s departure, the commitment to Ghana’s economic prosperity remains unbroken, and AV anticipates continued success in the years to come.

He pointed out that the President’s legacy in fostering German-Ghanaian cooperation will endure, serving as a model for future partnerships.

Mr. Kannengiesser said the recognition serves as a testament to the President’s dedication to Ghana’s development and his role in strengthening ties between Germany and Africa.

“The partnership has also enabled the growth of Ghanaian businesses, such as Fairafric, a German chocolate manufacturer based in Ghana, and DTRT Apparel, a textile production company,” he asserted.

 

By Ernest Kofi Adu