By Celestine Avi
The President, John Dramani Mahama, has called on Singaporean businesses to partner with Ghana in accelerating infrastructure development to drive economic transformation. Speaking at the Ghana–Singapore Business Forum in Singapore, he positioned Ghana as a reliable hub for trade and investment in West Africa, anchored on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Ghana stands at a point of inflection. We are determined to convert infrastructure into productivity, logistics into market share, and investment into jobs and shared prosperity,” President Mahama declared.
Why Ghana, Why Now
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s strategic advantages, including hosting the AfCFTA Secretariat and its position as a logistics and digital gateway for the 1.3 billion-strong African market.
He assured investors that Ghana is on a predictable reform path, modernising revenue systems and streamlining business regulations to enhance investor confidence.
“Under my leadership, Ghana will be a trusted, open and reliable investment partner,” he said.
The President disclosed that two landmark bills — the revised Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Bill and the legal framework for the 24-Hour Economy Authority — will soon be laid before Parliament to provide stronger legal assurances for investors.
Priority Sectors and Bankable Opportunities
The President outlined priority sectors where immediate partnerships can be forged.
Manufacturing & Industry: Expansion of industrial platforms at Tema and Dawa, local pharmaceutical production, and automotive assembly with a focus on green mobility.
Agribusiness: Development of a Northern Agro-Industrial Zone powered by solar irrigation, cashew and cocoa value-addition clusters, and modern cold chain logistics hubs in Tamale and Kumasi.
Infrastructure & Logistics: Opportunities include Accra’s Bus Rapid Transit system, renewable energy projects, the Takoradi Port expansion, inland container depots, smart water and wastewater PPPs, and a Tier III & IV Data Centre near Accra.
Mining & Minerals: Establishment of an integrated bauxite and aluminium industry, and value addition to critical minerals like gold and lithium.
De-Risking and Policy Assurances
To assure investors of stability and returns, President Mahama said Ghana will provide a predictable PPP framework, arbitration options and investment protection mechanisms.
“There will be no restrictions on capital and profit repatriation. For hard-currency projects, we are prepared to structure dedicated escrow and liquidity support on a case-by-case basis,” he assured.
He added that free zone incentives, tax exemptions on capital equipment, and accelerated depreciation regimes are already in place to support export-oriented businesses.
Partnership Framework with Singapore
President Mahama proposed the establishment of a Ghana–Singapore deal team, co-led by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and Enterprise Singapore, tasked with securing at least USD 100 million in new investment pipeline commitments within 12 months.
He announced a 100-Day Action Plan, which includes project data packs, technical workshops and site visits in Ghana to convert Expressions of Interest into term sheets.
The President also revealed that Ghana’s High Commission in Singapore will open a One-Stop Investor Facilitation Desk to fast-track approvals and regulatory clarifications.
Jobs, Youth and Women at the Centre
Emphasising inclusivity, President Mahama said each project has been designed to create jobs, particularly for youth and women, while ensuring skills transfer through local-content development.
“Ghana is a pro-enterprise state. We are nurturing Ghanaian suppliers, especially our young, innovative and digitally inclined youth, to plug into global value chains,” he said.
He stressed that Ghana’s infrastructure expansion will align with a just energy transition, renewable power, low-carbon transport, and resilient water and waste solutions.
Conclusion
President Mahama hailed Singapore as a “beacon of excellence in transforming strategic infrastructure into national competitiveness” and urged Singaporean businesses to replicate their discipline and innovation in Ghana.
“Accelerating Ghana’s infrastructure is not only possible — it is bankable, investable and urgent. I invite you to co-create this chapter with us, beginning today with concrete commitments and concluding in Accra within the year to celebrate the deals we have delivered together.”
