GNBCC – Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council

Building Bridges Between Ghana and the Netherlands for Over 20 Years.

The Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC) is the trusted gateway for doing business between Ghana and the Netherlands. We facilitate partnerships, advocate for our members, and manage impactful projects that drive sustainable economic growth and cultural understanding.

  • Partnership:
    We create strong links between Ghanaian and Dutch businesses.
  • Advocacy:
    We represent member interests with governments, regulators, and institutions.
  • Culture & Respect:
    We believe cultural understanding is key to long-term business success.
  • Sustainability:
    We drive initiatives that foster economic growth, youth empowerment, and women-led entrepreneurship.

Our story

The Beginning

In April 2002, Prince Willem Alexander and Princess Maxima visited Ghana and the Asantehene in Kumasi.

2002

Birth of Ghanecc

The Dutch business community organized a writing competition for secondary school students, where winners received a scholarship

2003

Growth & Recognition

  The enthusiasm of the companies led to the formation of the Ghana Dutch Business Club.

2007

Transformation to GNBCC

In 2015, Ghanecc rebranded into Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC), strengthening collaboration with the Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC) and expanding services to better support its growing membership.

2025

Our History

Ghanecc was instituted in 2002, out of the enthusiasm of several individuals after the commemoration of 300 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Asante Kingdom (Ghana) and the Netherlands.

To celebrate this His Excellency Prince Willem Alexander of Oranje Nassau and his spouse Princess Máxima visited Ghana and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. The Dutch business community, which had formerly been united through the then defunct Ghana Netherlands Business Club (GNBC), decided to organize a competition amongst final year students of secondary schools, “write the business plan of your dream” was the theme. With the main price a scholarship to a University. Several Dutch Companies in Ghana coached the 10 potential winners and the Prince of Orange handed over the prices to the final winners.

The enthusiasm displayed during this exercise made several companies decide to try to re-establish a Ghana Dutch Business Club, which was eventually inaugurated on the 13th of February 2003 under the name of Ghanecc. Ghana Netherlands Chamber of Commerce and Culture, a unique chamber of commerce because of this second “C” for Culture. At Ghanecc we believe that respecting and understanding each other’s culture is a prerequisite for any healthy business, which will eventually lead to the development of Ghana.

Founding members were among others: KLM, Shell, Reiss & Co, Vlisco, Sitos, Philips and Wienco. Ghanecc, entered their first office at the premises of Philips Medical, members numbers then increased. It became a popular multicultural business club, with its own website and employees. However after some of the founders left the board, Ghanecc experienced some problems, resulting in declining members and subsequently financial reserves. On top of this Ghanecc had to look for a new Office location because Philips needed to move out of their Offices in Ghana. In a changeover period which started in 2006, the Ghanecc Office was temporarily moved to the Rarity Ltd premises in Airport Residential. New project managers started to revive the Chamber, they increased membership and improved the financial position of Ghanecc through strict financial management and external search for income aside members.

One year later Ghanecc was appointed by the Dutch Embassy to assist and answer business inquiries for the Dutch Embassy. Ghanecc moved in August 2007 to a new Office in the Silverstar Tower at Airport City. Since then Ghanecc operated with 2 part-time employees, one for the trade inquiries and one to run and oversee the day to day office affairs, membership increased to 80.

In 2015 GHANECC changed its name into Ghana Netherlands Business & Culture Council (GNBCC). GNBCC started a collaboration with the Dutch Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC) and extended its services to members.

Meet the Team

  • Hilde Famaey

    Hilde brings over 20 years of leadership experience in Africa. With expertise in finance and business development, she is dedicated to enhancing services for GNBCC members.

  • Naana Biney Ohemeng

    Naana is responsible for all aspects of human resource management, staff engagement, and streamlining internal processes to align with GNBCC’s strategic goals.

  • Barnabas Apom

    Barnabas is the Project Coordinator for the Horticulture Business Platform (HBP). He strives to make HBP a recognized, and impactful initiative in the horticulture sector.

  • Tracy Mensah

    Tracy manages the Dutch Export Academy (DEA) project, training program designed for Ghanaian entrepreneurs looking to improve their exports or start exporting to Europe.

  • Akwasi Dampson

    He is a Financial and Administration Officer for the Private Sector Development (PSD) Project.

  • Grace Agorigo

    Grace leads the chamber’s marketing strategy while also assisting in the execution of two PSD projects – the Horticulture Business Challenge and the Dutch Export Academy.

  • Naa Ayeley Ayettey

    Naa is a Finance Officer at GNBCC.

  • Benjamin Agamah

    Benjamin plays a key role in the HBP project; working with SMEs, value chain players, and stakeholders to address challenges and create opportunities within the sector.

  • Michael Teye

    Michael assists with the Digital Marketing & Communications. He leads GNBCC’s digital presence, managing social media, graphic design, newsletters, website development, and providing IT and technical support, including systems development for the Digital Trade Office (DTO).

  • Vanessa Asiedu

    Vanessa is the Administrative Assistant at GNBCC, responsible for administrative duties, office management, and member communications. She supports project implementation, coordinates events, and maintains the GNBCC membership database while working closely with the HR and Operations Manager.

  • Fred Frimpong

    Fred is the Project Manager for the Ghana Seed Partnership (GSP) at GNBCC, overseeing the coordination and implementation of the programme aimed at strengthening Ghana’s horticultural sector through Dutch expertise, technology, and high-quality seeds.

Meet the Board