Business & Finance

Ghana Eyes Stronger Local Enterprises, Global Markets

The government of Ghana is shifting its investment strategy from merely attracting capital inflows to ensuring that investments generate lasting economic value through increased production, stronger local enterprises, value-chain development and job creation.

The Hon. Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, made this known when she launched the 2025 Annual Investment Report by the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA ) at the Bank of Ghana in Accra on Friday, August 21, 2026.

She said the true measure of investment success should go beyond the amount of capital attracted and focus on the economic impact those investments create within Ghana.

“Are they expanding our productive capacity, creating opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises, strengthening value chains and opening new markets for what we produce?” the Hon. Minister asked, stressing that this approach captures the practical meaning of advancing Ghana’s industrial transformation through investment.

According to the Hon. Minister, Ghana attracted about US$2.6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) across more than 250 new projects and existing companies in 2025, with significant reinvestment from enterprises already operating in the country.

She said the continued commitment of existing investors demonstrates confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects, adding that the government’s responsibility is to convert that confidence into increased production, stronger businesses and sustainable economic value.

Highlighting the importance of industrial linkages, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare identified agribusiness as a critical sector where investment can deliver wider economic benefits.

She explained that when agricultural produce is processed locally, more value is retained in the economy while opportunities are created in packaging, transport, warehousing, distribution and exports.

The Hon. Minister added that government is prioritising sectors including textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and components, and agro-processing to build Ghana’s competitive industrial capacity.

She stressed that investors require a predictable business environment supported by reliable infrastructure, access to financing, skilled labour, regulatory certainty and responsive public institutions before committing capital.

She again noted that the passage of the Bill establishing the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) would strengthen investment facilitation and modernise the country’s approach to supporting investors in an increasingly competitive global environment.

On regulatory reforms, she said the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry is working towards the passage of the Business Regulatory Reform Bill, which will help assess business regulations, encourage public-private consultation and provide clearer guidance on compliance requirements for businesses.

The Hon. Minister further highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying Ghana’s competitive advantage would depend on the ability of businesses operating in the country to produce efficiently, meet standards, maintain quality and supply markets across the continent.

She encouraged investors expanding their operations in Ghana to establish partnerships with local suppliers, utilise local inputs where possible and invest in developing the skills of young Ghanaians.

The report, she said, identifies nearly US$12 billion in announced and pipeline investments, and the government’s priority is to convert those opportunities into operational businesses that produce goods, create jobs and generate value within Ghana.

Hon. Ofosu-Adjare concluded that investment acquires real economic meaning when it reaches the factory floor, supports Ghanaian businesses, creates productive employment and expands access to regional and international markets.

She assured that government would continue efforts to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen coordination among institutions and reduce delays that prevent investment decisions from translating into actual production.

“Investment should leave a visible economic footprint in Ghana through expanded production, stronger local enterprises, productive jobs and greater access to regional and international markets,” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) commended Hon. Ofosu-Adjare for her efforts in attracting more investors into Ghana’s manufacturing sector, noting that manufacturing leads by project count, while mining services account for the highest foreign direct investment value.

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, also welcomed the findings of the 2025 Annual Investment Report, describing it as a reflection of renewed confidence in Ghana’s economy. He said the report goes beyond statistics and provides insight into the direction of investment and economic growth.

The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) and the Oxford Business Group(OBG) to collaborate on a global investment campaign for Ghana.

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