Infinity Global Connections hosts Ghana’s Ambassador to the US for a 2-day trip in Detroit, Michigan

From April 18-19, 2024, the Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, and a delegation from her staff were present in Detroit, Michigan, for a 2-day trip at the invitation of Infinity Global Connections LLC (IGC) – a Marketing and Strategy Consulting firm.

The firm, impressed by Ghana’s economic growth and potential, sought to explore investment opportunities and strengthen ties between Ghana and Detroit. The event was held under the theme “Ghana Global Business Summit: Discovering Ghana’s Golden Opportunities.”

Ambassador Mahama’s delegation included Mrs. Ninette Danquah Ivo, Head of Diaspora Affairs at the Embassy in Washington, DC; Mr. Job Tiimob from the Embassy’s Trade Department; and Mr. Oral Ofori, Head of Customer Relations at the Embassy.

On their arrival in Detroit, the Ambassador and her team visited the renowned Cass Technical High School, after a luncheon at the Detroit Athletic Club, with IGC and Rotary Club of Detroit officials and Jonathan Quarles who presented the Ambassador with gifts.

At Cass Tech the group was warmly received by the school’s principal Mrs. Lisa Phillips, and her students. The Ambassador was impressed with the school’s rich history and academic excellence and encouraged the students to explore educational exchanges with Ghanaian schools. She highlighted the importance of STEM education and Ghana’s efforts to develop its tech industry.

There was also a talk on the campaign efforts of Wo Ye Bra Program, a nonprofit subsidiary of Infinity Global Empowerment (IGC). Wo Ye Bra teaches young females how to make and sell reusable sanitary pads, which according to them reduce female youth absenteeism from schools. There was a musical performance by the students of Cass Tech High School which had two thousand students and staff gathering to meet the Ambassador.

In the evening of the same day, there was a welcome reception for the Ambassador hosted on the 19th floor of the Huntington Bank Tower, in Detroit, Michigan by the event’s host, IGC.

On the morning of the second day, Ambassador Mahama and her team attended the trip’s 4-session business investment forum. In the first session, she promoted Ghana as an attractive investment destination in a speech on the “State of the Union for Ghana.” She highlighted the country’s political stability, economic growth, and favorable business environment, emphasizing opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

The Mistress of Ceremony was Dr. Adrienne Booth Johnson, founder of Wo Ye Bra Program; and Bishop Edgar Vann II of Detroit Equity, Inc., who gave the opening remarks. The forum was attended by Detroit business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors, who showed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Ghana.

Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Detroit Economic Growth Corporation gave a talk in session 2, and Attorney Joe Johnson, CEO of Infinity Global Connections LLC gave a speech in session 3 on the theme “Long Term Partnerships for Global Initiatives in Africa“.

There was also a panel discussion in session 3 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Opportunities for Partnerships” by panelists Prof. Tim Bates of UM-Flint College of Innovation & Technology; and Haji Flemings, CEO of RebrandX. It was moderated by Dr. Jaret Riddick, Center for Security & Emerging Technology (CSET).

Another panel discussion was held in session 4, under the theme “U.S. Department of Commerce Exporting to Ghana/Africa” by panelists W.E. Da’Cruz of The VGC Group, and Richard Digue of RND Engineering. It was moderated by Eve Lerman, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.

The Ambassador and her team after the business forum met with Ghanaian students of Kentucky State University (KSU) who were in Detroit for a program. They shared their experiences and challenges, and the Ambassador encouraged the Ghanaian students among them to remain proud of their Ghanaian heritage and contribute to the country’s development. She also had discussions with some staff of KSU to explore potential educational exchanges and collaborations between Ghanaian and American universities.

The trip’s second day ended with an interaction with the Ghanaian Association of Michigan (GhaMi) represented by Nii Tetteh, President of GhaMi and his executives: Vice President of GhaMi Mr. Samuel Mbroh, Seth Gyamfi of Detroit – NPP-USA – Michigan Chapter Chairman (also GhaMi immediate past-President) and Mr. Emmanuel Addo. The others are Nana Adwinasa-Poku past President of GhaMi and the Nkwantakese Nkabomhene and President of Asanteman Association of Michigan.

In her interactions with the Ghanaian community in Detroit, and Ambassador applauded its contributions to Ghana’s development. She encouraged them to continue promoting Ghanaian culture and values in the United States.

She expressed her gratitude to the investment firm for the invitation and the warm hospitality received in Detroit. She also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to strengthening economic and cultural ties with the United States and looked forward to future collaborations and exchanges.

The trip is expected to pave the way for increased investment and cooperation between Ghana and Detroit.