Ghana–Japan Business Forum Opens New Pathways for Trade and Investment

The Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Sampson Ahi, has called for stronger economic collaboration between Ghana and Japan, urging Japanese businesses to take full advantage of Ghana’s stable investment climate and the growing opportunities in trade, agribusiness, manufacturing, and industrial development.

Addressing participants at the Ghana–Japan Business Forum held on Thursday, 15th January 2026, at the Conference Room of the Ghana EXIM Bank in Accra, Hon. Ahi, emphasized that the Forum was to promote trade, attract investment, and strengthen business relations between Ghana and Japan.

“That is why we must measure success by what happens after this session partnerships formed, projects shaped, and follow-up actions agreed.”

He further highlighted Ghana’s strategic advantages, saying, “Ghana values its relationship with Japan. We respect what Japan represents discipline, quality, innovation, and long-term thinking.

“Ghana also has its own strengths: stability, enterprise, and a young workforce that is ready to learn, work, and produce. When those strengths are put together, the result is not just trade in raw materials. The result is value addition, jobs, and strong businesses that can compete.” he said.

On practical steps to attract serious investment, Hon. Ahi noted that investors do not only look for incentives; but clear rules, predictable timelines, reliable infrastructure, and institutions that coordinate.

This, he said, the Ministry was actively working to build.

“Ghana’s direction is therefore straightforward: we want to industrialize, diversify exports, modernize agribusiness, strengthen logistics, deepen digital adoption, and expand Special Economic Zones and industrial parks that support production.”

He also outlined priority areas for Ghana–Japan cooperation to include industrial platforms and export-oriented manufacturing; manufacturing value chains and industrial inputs; and logistics, trade facilitation, and standards.

“These are areas where partnerships can create real value for both countries and generate jobs and skills for Ghanaians.”

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana in his Address, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto commended Ghana for its consistent economic reforms and strong democratic governance, describing the country as a reliable partner for Japanese investors.

He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting technology transfer, infrastructure development, and industrial capacity building in Ghana.

Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Kunimistu Ayano, emphasized that collaboration between public and private sectors in both countries would translate diplomatic relations into tangible economic outcomes.

She highlighted Japan’s interest in supporting projects that enhance industrial development, sustainable energy, and logistics capacity in Ghana.

A statement on behalf of Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. James Gyakye Quayson stressed the role of economic diplomacy in advancing national development, noting that the forum aligns with Ghana’s foreign policy objectives of attracting trade, investment, and sustainable growth.

The CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Mr. Simon Madjie, assured investors of Ghana’s investor-friendly regulatory framework and aftercare services adding that these and many more tangible government including the 24 hour economic policy framework makes Ghana the most attractive investment destination in the sub region as it is currently the second largest economy in West Africa.

Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat in a statement read on his behalf encouraged Japanese businesses to view Ghana as a gateway to the wider African market.

The forum provided a platform for intensive dialogue, networking, and business-to-business engagements. Key sectors discussed included sustainable agribusiness, industrialization, energy solutions, transportation infrastructure, and digital communications.

Several Japanese investors expressed interest in partnerships and joint ventures, signaling a promising pipeline of investment opportunities that could support Ghana’s industrial and economic transformation.

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