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.
