GNBCC Annual New Year’s Cocktail 2025

31-01-2025

GNBCC Annual New Year’s Cocktail 2025

Yesterday evening, we hosted our Annual New Year’s Cocktail at the GNBCC Gardens. This event turned out to be the most attended cocktail we’ve ever had in our garden, largely due to the much-anticipated special announcement.

In attendance were our valued members, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy, embassy staff, esteemed GNBCC Board members (past and present) , heads of AMCHAM and GSABC, special invited guests, and friends of the chamber.

The event officially began at 6 PM, with Naana Biney Ohemeng as the MC. She welcomed all attendees and invited Mr. Kofi Polley, Chairman of the GNBCC Board, to deliver a speech. Mr. Polley expressed gratitude to all present and extended a special acknowledgment to Tjalling Wiarda and the GNBCC team for a successful 2024. He also thanked members, partners, past and present board chairs for their support and contributions over the past 20 years. He then introduced and launched the 2025 GNBCC Magazine, a special edition celebrating our founding members who have been with us for two decades, alongside a recap of our activities in 2024. Copies of the magazine were distributed to attendees. To conclude, Mr. Polley expressed his deep appreciation for Tjalling Wiarda, acknowledging his dedicated service and leadership as General Manager over the last eight years. He then invited Mr. Wiarda to the stage for his remarks.

Mr. Wiarda reflected on his journey with GNBCC, sharing key moments, challenges, and achievements. He touched on navigating the COVID-19 period, financial struggles, and staffing constraints, as well as securing the Private Sector Development (PSD) Project with the Netherlands Embassy and other business assignments that have strengthened GNBCC’s position. He then made the much-awaited announcement: he would be stepping down as General Manager after eight years of service. He invited Ms. Hilde Famaey to join him on stage, officially introducing her as his successor. Ms. Famaey graciously accepted the role, commended Tjalling and the team for their efforts, and assured all present that she would uphold his legacy and continue driving GNBCC forward.

A heartfelt video tribute was then played, featuring messages from embassy staff, GNBCC staff, board members, former colleagues, and even Mr. Wiarda’s sons. This touching tribute was followed by the presentation of a special gift in recognition of his remarkable service and lasting impact. It was truly an emotional and memorable night. With the formalities concluded, the evening continued with networking, great food, drinks, and celebration late into the night. Find the pictures here

A big thank you to all who attended, a warm welcome to our new General Manager, Ms. Hilde Famaey, and an even bigger thank you to Tjalling Wiarda for eight years of leadership, dedication, and service.

Happy Retirement, Tjalling! 🎉

 

GNBCC | News