Ghana 'headquarters for business in Africa '

Delegates from Ghana have visited global manufacturer and wholesaler of PPE and workwear, Beeswift, as part of a week 's long UK trade mission involving key Birmingham businesses, writes Sophia Corness-Parr.

Papa Kow Bartels, head of trade and investment at the Ghanaian High Commission, Adjoba Kyiamah executive director at the Ghana-UK Chamber and Sherif Ouedraogo, a representative from Burkina Faso 's Chamber of Commerce were among the key speakers at the Business Forum held by the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber.

Papa Kow Bartels told attendees: “When it comes to doing business in Africa, Ghana is the headquarters. ”

In 2021, the total trade of UK goods and exports between the two countries was £1bn, an increase on 9.1 cent since 2020.

He added: “We are in the centre of the world, [the country 's] latitude and longitude are zero degrees. ”

Geographically, this allows easy trade with neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

Papa Kow noted that this is benefitted by the free trade agreement between the UK and Ghana which allows businesses to export duty free and quota free.

He also said that unlike the rest of Africa, every one square-metre in Ghana has an address, making the transportation of goods accessible.

In the country 's efforts to further extend its reach in the UK, it was also said that by 2023 the tax system would see rates reduced by 80 per cent.

Adjoba Kyiamah spoke on the country 's digitalisation which was made more important by Covid. During the height of the pandemic, she said: “Digitally-ready businesses were able to recover quicker. ”

As such, the Ghana-UK Chamber of Commerce 's work has helped digitalise tax administration for businesses.

It has also made steps since it was established in 2016 to break down barriers between the countries, this has included: trade missions, support on the justice system, training programmes and visa assistance.

Sherif Ouedraogo said that Burkina Faso is interested in UK markets, particularly in exporting to Birmingham.

The country is a big producer of agriculture and are seeking investment in construction, energy, telecommunications and transport.

Darren Washbourne, chief commercial officer and Jonathon Smith, export manager at Beeswift hosted the delegation at the company 's headquarters in Birmingham.

The company 's Ghanaian ties date back to the 1990s when it began supplying protective wear to miners.

Founded in 1981 and in the infancy stages of its international trade, Beeswift secured a contract with a gold mining business which became the catalyst for its trade there.

Jonathon Smith, export manager at Beeswift puts this win down to the business ' proactive outlook when opportunities arise, saying “I 'm proud that we take every bit of communication seriously. ”

He added that to this day “[Beeswift] don 't say 'no ' to any enquiries. ”

Jonathan noted that the company continue to supply the mining industry in Ghana.

Having worked with for the company for approximately 25 years, he has been able to see this in action saying: “You 're in a minority when you say you 've been privileged to see the gold in the rocks. ”

As Beeswift has expanded its supply chain, now boasting a medical division which supplies first aid equipment and defibrillators, so too has its customer base in Ghana which includes the Ports Authority, Coca Cola and Guinness.

This trading relationships is pillared on the friendliness of the country 's residents as Jonathan spoke fondly of his visits saying: “The warmth of the Ghanaian people has always struck me, it really is a credit [to the country]. ”

The week 's trade mission went on to stop at The Malmaison, Selfridges, Birmingham Wholesale Market, West Midlands Growth Company, Birmingham City Council.

Pictured (l-r) - Jonathan Smith, Sherif Ouedraogo, Adjoba Kyiamah, Papa Kow Bartels, Mandy Haque (international director at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce) and Darren Washbourne.