By: Enock Ankomah
President John Dramani Mahama has launched the CEO-Government Compact 2026, describing it as a major step toward building a stronger partnership between government and the private sector to drive industrial growth, job creation, and economic transformation in Ghana.
Speaking at the 10th Ghana CEO Summit held in Accra, President Mahama said the compact would move engagements between government and businesses beyond speeches and annual conferences to a more structured framework focused on accountability, policy consistency, and measurable outcomes.
“This compact is intended to serve as a high-level partnership framework between government and the business community, promoting accountability, innovation, competitiveness, and productivity,” he stated.
According to the President, the initiative evolved from recommendations made during the 9th CEO Summit, where he called for a more practical and results-oriented engagement between the state and the private sector.
President Mahama noted that Ghana’s economic transformation would depend heavily on reducing the cost of doing business, strengthening investor confidence, and creating a more competitive environment for production, processing, trade, and exports.
He emphasized the need to strengthen agribusiness value chains by connecting farmers, transporters, processors, exporters, retailers, and manufacturers into one productive ecosystem capable of creating jobs and increasing local value addition.
“For too long, our economy has suffered from a disconnect between what we produce and what we process,” he said, adding that many farmers struggle to find reliable buyers while factories also face challenges accessing quality raw materials in sufficient quantities.
The President identified sectors including cocoa, cashew, shea, oil palm, rice, poultry, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and light manufacturing as key drivers of Ghana’s industrialization agenda.
He also highlighted the importance of the government’s proposed 24-hour economy initiative, explaining that the policy is aimed at improving productivity and maximizing the use of Ghana’s economic resources rather than simply encouraging people to work at night.
“For some firms, this may mean additional shifts. For others, it may require improved logistics, stronger security, better transport systems, and digital support infrastructure,” he explained.
President Mahama further disclosed that following the passage of the 24-hour economy authority, government had developed a comprehensive 10-year economic plan for businesses. The plan includes measures to reduce power costs for industries, improve logistics, establish industrial and agro-processing parks, and provide incentives for businesses to expand.
On digital transformation, he said technology must support inclusive growth by enabling traders, farmers, and small businesses to access wider markets, secure payments, and real-time market information.
He revealed that Ghana, with support from international partners, has developed a national e-commerce strategy and is currently working on a comprehensive e-commerce policy to support SMEs, women-led enterprises, and young entrepreneurs.
Touching on regional trade, President Mahama said Ghana’s hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents a strategic opportunity for local businesses to compete across Africa.
However, he stressed that Ghanaian firms must improve standards, certification, packaging, logistics, financing, and market intelligence to fully benefit from the continental market.
“Made in Ghana must stand for quality, consistency, and reliability. It should not merely be a patriotic slogan,” he stated.
President Mahama also commended exhibitors at the summit for showcasing the growing capacity and innovation within Ghana’s private sector, urging investors and public institutions to support emerging local businesses.
He concluded by calling for concrete follow-up actions after the summit, stressing that the success of the CEO-Government Compact 2026 would ultimately be measured through investments, exports, industrial growth, and job creation.
