Bank of Ghana and Leasing Practitioners
The Program team conducted a number of training programs on leasing for the banks, leasing companies and regulatory authorities. These were both general programs and customized sessions that responded directly to client needs. The sessions were conducted by the project team and Rafael Castillo-Triana, an IFC consultant.
Leasing Forum for AGI Members
The Program in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) organized a forum on leasing for members of AGI on the theme, "Leasing: An Alternative to Credit". Participants were informed about existing leasing opportunities from both the lessors' and lessee's point of view. At the question and answer session, there were insightful contributions from members of AGI as participants expressed their satisfaction and clearer understanding of leasing. The seminar was held at Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Accra on February 28, 2007 and was attended by over 60 participants.
Leasing Workshop for Superior Court Judges
The Program organized a training workshop on leasing for Superior Court Judges in Accra. A High Court Judge from Nairobi, Kenya, Justice Nicholas Ombija was invited to share the Kenyan experience on commercial contract litigation. The training included an overview and discussion of the Finance Lease Law and other legislation that impacts leasing in Ghana. The training was held at Fiesta Royale Hotel from March 2 to 3, 2007 and was attended by over 30 participants including 23 judges. At the end of the training, participants overwhelmingly expressed their satisfaction with the quality and content of the training and a recommendation was made to IFC to also conduct similar training for the members of the Ghana Bar Association.
Workshop on Lease Structuring and Administration for Leasing Practitioners
The SECO IFC Leasing Program organized a training program on lease structuring and administration for lease practitioners in Accra from April 23 to 26, 2007. The program was held in collaboration with the Ghana Association of Leasing Companies (GALCO). The program facilitators were from Equipment Leasing Association of Nigeria (ELAN). The training workshop was comprehensive and covered all aspects of lease structuring and administration. The resource persons for the program were two representatives of ELAN with a combined experience of over 25 years in the leasing industry. ELAN has a reputation as a citadel of lease training/education in Nigeria. In the past 20 years, ELAN has trained over 15,000 people.
The program was held at the La Palm Royal Hotel and was attended by over 45 participants from independent leasing companies, Bank of Ghana, bank lessors, suppliers, DFIs, representatives of the VAT Office, SSNIT and private individuals.
Consultation with Stakeholders on Reforms
As a priority, the Program team will commence a consultation process with stakeholders on proposed reforms to the legislative, regulatory and tax environment affecting leasing. At the end of this process, the intention is to present a set of proposals to the relevant authorities aimed at strengthening the institutional environment for leasing.
