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Expresso is also very interested in SMS over internet in the next two years. Expresso is also passionate about reaching out to corporate organizations rather than
individual clients because firms’ use bulk data.
Business Challenges:
The company is currently operating below 30 capacity. The equipment used by the company is outdatedoutmoded and as such the company
cannot keep pace with competition. The company has low geographical coverage making its services unattractive to
consumers. Lack of finance cash flow to enable them purchase the needed equipment and
expand operations. Poor internal management structure.
Legal issues – Expresso is battling with ownership status with an individual who started the company before it was acquired.
CSR if any:
No CSR as they have challenges with liquidity.
AlliancePartnership Potential highmediumlow:
Low
Program Areas Project Overlap:
Have no capacity at the moment to venture into partnership as they are operating far below capacity.
Company assets:
Knowledge in SMS and internet solutions.
Previouscurrent engagement with USAID if any: None known
Drawbacks mini-due diligence:
The company don’t have the requisite resources technical and financial to
undertake any project through partnership.
Point of Contact:
Dulcie Ofori-Akuffo Corporate Communication Manager
T: +233 28 8210010 M: +233 28 8210401
E: dulcie.oforiakuffoexpressotelecom.com Website:
www.expressotelecom.com
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Interview Summary: Ghana Chamber of Mines
Ghana Chamber of Mines
Business SectorIndustry:
Mining
Location of OperationsProduction: Accra, Ghana
Date of Interview: May 18, 2015
Location of Interview: Accra, Ghana
Company FocusProduct
:
The Ghana Chamber of Mines is the main minerals industry association in Ghana.
The Chamber represents the collective interests of companies involved in mineral
exploration, production and processing in Ghana.
The Chamber’s activities are entirely funded by its member companies, which
produce over 90 per cent of the Ghanas mineral output.
The Chamber has the following broad categories of members; mining companies 13, affiliates supply of goods and services to the mining firms, business service,
exploration companies and pre-production mining companies. The Chamber has represented the mining industry interests since 1928.
Business Interests:
The chamber is interested in harnessing good service for the benefit of its members. The chamber is also interested in addressing swiftly problems that members face in
their business environment.
The Chamber also engages the government and other stakeholders in policy
advocacy
Business Challenges:
Member’s inability to get uninterrupted supply of power from the national grid due to load-shedding exercise currently going on.
Mining firms are required to shed off 33 of their current load from the national power grid and this is hampering business operations of the mining firms.
Illegal mining on the concessions of mining firms. Government slow pace in implementing fiscal policies towards mining operations,
e.g. the delay by government to reimburse mining firms for VAT. This delay affects adversely the working capital of the mining firms.
Lack of an adequate legislative framework or laws for research and exploration. Inefficiency in Ghana’s railway system making transport of mining ores to the ports
difficult.
CSR if any:
The chamber does not directly undertake CSR activities. CSR activities are
undertaken by its members.
AlliancePartnership Potential highmediumlow: Low
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Program Areas Project Overlap:
The chamber can assist in identifying mining firms that may have similar interest to
the project objectives.
Company assets:
Strong rapport with the members and respect. Developed capacity for advocacy with government and stakeholders
Previouscurrent engagement with USAID if any: None known
Drawbacks mini-due diligence:
The chamber is not the right organization to approach for partnership as it just represents member’s interests but does not directly get involved in ventures or
projects.
Point of Contact:
Sulemanu Koney Chief Executive Officer
T: +233 302 782157 M: +233 244 623266
E: skoneyghanachamberofmines.org
Website:
www.ghanachamberofmines.org
Interview Summary: Global Media Alliance
Global Media Alliance
Business SectorIndustry:
Media
Location of OperationsProduction: Accra, Ghana
Date of Interview: June 9, 2015
Location of Interview: Accra, Ghana
Company FocusProduct:
Global Media Alliance GMA is a focused Integrated Media Entertainment
Company with a vision of becoming an industry leader in Africa. GMA was founded in South Africa in 1998 and later moved to Ghana in 2001.
The Company has a wide footprint in Africa with significant presence in West Africa, South Africa, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya.
GMA has established itself as a leader in the Public Relations, Event Management, Media and Entertainment industries with unsurpassed innovation and strategic
relationships. GMA introduced new concepts to the Ghanaian public such as the first international
multiplex cinema Silverbird, a lifestyle store and a full service broadcasting wing; Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company GMABC, comprising three radio
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channels; Happy FM, Y FM in Accra and Takoradi, and Anigye FM and a free-to-air television channel eTV Ghana.
The company has partnership with Starfish Mobile in developing innovative ICT services in the media landscape.
The company has also partnered with the “Sun Newspaper” group based in Nigeria to increase the circulation of the newspaper over its media platforms in Ghana.
Business Interests:
GMA is interested in event management. GMA is also interested in public relations for organizations.
GMA is passionate about printing, creative design and production.
The company is interested in increasing its market share in the digital
communications space by increasing its services in SMS, Voice and Apps.
Business Challenges:
Cash flow to implement capital intensive projects. Depreciation of the Cedi against major international currencies and high interest
rates in the country are adversely affecting airing of programs i.e. purchase of international programs.
Stiff competition in the media landscape is eroding margins in the sector. Difficulty in getting the right and committed media partners to execute TV programs
as most media houses are interested in profit rather than achievement of project results.
CSR if any:
The company have partnered with UT Bank to undertake blood donations. Planetiers Movement – Sensitization effort by students on environmental protection.
Free Mass Wedding – providing free logistics and resources to facilitate weddings of interested couples.
Educational program dubbed ‘Rock with the Vote’ to sensitize the youth on peaceful elections.
Corruption crusade i.e. ‘Speak-up’ to enable the public express their views through SMS, voice and TV shows on identified corrupt practices.
AlliancePartnership Potential highmediumlow: High
Program Areas Project Overlap:
The company can develop documentaries on best practices in fishing, child labor issues and processing to promote behavioral change.
The company’s partnership with Starfish can be explored to develop ICT services such as push SMS and apps for the fishing industry.
The company already has a TV station and radio stations that can facilitate the dissemination of information.
Company assets:
Media experience, a TV station and radio stations and expertise.
Previouscurrent engagement with USAID if any:
In-charge of event management of USAID Learning
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Project Drawbacks mini-due diligence:
The company’s eTV station and its radio stations may not reach the project’s target communities in Western and Central regions and may also not be readily watched or
listened to by the target group i.e. the fisher folks. This is because their programs are
more centered on the youth.
Point of Contact:
Martin Ankrah Head, Business Development
T: +233 302 912071-4 M: +233 20 8848032 20 2222055
E: mankrahgmaworld.com Website:
