By Belinda Nketia
Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on Japanese businesses to channel their investments into Ghana, describing the country as both a stable democracy and the gateway to Africa.
Speaking at the Yokohama Investment Forum in Japan, the minister underscored Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest trading bloc with access to a market of 1.3 billion people.
“When you invest in Ghana, you are not only investing in a stable democratic country, but you are also investing in the gateway to Africa,” he told participants, assuring investors of full government support, protection of their capital, and strong returns under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
The minister also praised Japan’s long-standing partnership with Ghana, noting the absence of tariff barriers, Japan’s openness to trade, and its social contributions to Ghana’s development. He expressed confidence that the forum would usher in stronger bilateral relations, with more Japanese businesses establishing in Ghana and Ghanaian firms expanding into Japan.
“There is a lot to celebrate about the balance in our cooperation. We have no doubt this forum will open more doors and double trade and investment between our two countries,” the minister added.
The Yokohama Investment Forum brings together policymakers, investors, and business leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration between Japan and Africa.
