By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama has urged global investors to turn their attention to Ghana, declaring that the country is entering a new phase of economic transformation and remains “open for business”.
Addressing the Ghana–UK Investment Summit 2026 in London, President Mahama said Ghana offers a stable democracy, improving macroeconomic fundamentals, and strong growth prospects that make it a prime destination for long-term investment.
He praised organisers of the summit, including the Ghana High Commission in the UK, Invest Africa, and the UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce, for convening key players in business, policy, and development finance.
Acknowledging the UK High Commissioner to Ghana Dr. Christian Rogg, the President described him as a “brother in Africa” and welcomed what he called a surprise investment announcement, adding that it would help shift Ghana’s industrial focus.
“Time to move westwards” – Mahama on industrial shift
President Mahama said Ghana’s industrial development has historically been concentrated in the eastern corridor since the establishment of Tema, stressing the need for a shift.
“It is time to move westwards. A shipbuilding industry would be a jewel in the west,” he said.
Economic turnaround
The President said Ghana had restored stability after recent economic pressures, citing falling inflation, stronger reserves, a stabilised cedi, and improved investor confidence.
He noted that inflation has dropped from 23.8% in December 2024 to 3.4% in April 2026, while reserves have grown to nearly $13.9 billion.
Ghana’s economy, he added, has expanded by about 6% in 2025, crossing $114 billion in GDP and ranking as Africa’s eighth largest economy.
“These are not just statistics—they reflect a more predictable and stable investment climate,” he said.
24-hour economy drive
At the centre of government’s transformation agenda, Mahama highlighted the 24-hour economy policy, describing it as a productivity revolution designed to maximise industry, logistics, and services around the clock.
He said the policy opens major opportunities in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, ICT, retail, and energy.
Agriculture, mining and value addition
The President said Ghana is shifting from raw material exports to value addition, particularly in cocoa, gold, lithium, bauxite, and other critical minerals.
He also pointed to agro-industrial enclaves under the “Feed Ghana” programme, with investment opportunities in cocoa processing, rice, poultry, cashew, shea, and fisheries.
Energy and infrastructure push
Mahama outlined major energy investments, including gas expansion projects and a second gas processing plant to support power generation.
He also referenced the $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure programme covering roads, rail, ports, aviation, and housing.
Digital economy ambitions
He said Ghana is positioning itself as a regional tech hub through its National AI Strategy and “One Million Coders” programme, targeting growth in fintech, AI, cybersecurity, and digital services.
Legal reforms and investor confidence
Mahama highlighted reforms to improve the business climate, including a new investment law removing minimum capital requirements in several sectors and strengthening investor protections.
He said Ghana’s legal system, based on English common law, remains stable, predictable, and business-friendly.
Gateway to Africa
He stressed that Ghana offers investors access not only to a 34-million-strong domestic market, but also to ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area, representing over 1.4 billion consumers.
“Ghana is open for business”
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s readiness for investment.
“Ghana is open for business. This is the time to move from talks to action,” he said, urging investors to engage government officials at the summit.
He ended with a call for stronger Ghana–UK ties, saying:
“May God bless Ghana, the United Kingdom, and our enduring partnership.”
