The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Simon Madjie, has outlined his vision for the organization, highlighting key initiatives aimed at strengthening investment promotion and leveraging Ghana’s position in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
During a meeting with management and staff, Mr. Madjie acknowledged the Centre’s significant achievements over the years but emphasized that there is still more work to be done. He expressed his commitment to fostering a more dynamic and proactive approach to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ghana.
One of Mr. Madjie’s immediate priorities is to enhance collaboration with key ministries and government agencies to ensure a more cohesive investment drive. He believes that “by fostering stronger partnerships, we can streamline processes, align national development priorities with investor interests, and ultimately drive sustainable economic growth.”
To further improve investment promotion, he announced plans to map investment opportunities in every district across the country. This initiative aims to provide potential investors with a well-defined overview of the opportunities available in Ghana’s various regions.
As part of this strategy, the new CEO intends to appoint regional directors in all 16 regions to oversee investment promotion at the grassroots level. Stressing the importance of data-driven investment promotion, he stated, “It is very important that in our investment promotion efforts, we speak about the country’s opportunities with specific data, not generic assertions.”
Establishing an AfCFTA Desk at GIPC
A major highlight of Mr. Madjie’s vision is the establishment of an AfCFTA Desk at the GIPC to coordinate investment efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. He believes that this initiative will provide a more structured approach to positioning Ghana as a prime investment destination within the regional trade pact.
With AfCFTA creating the world’s largest free trade area, Ghana has a unique opportunity to attract investors looking to expand within the African market. The CEO is determined to ensure that the country capitalizes on this opportunity by creating a dedicated platform within GIPC to facilitate investment deals under AfCFTA.
Another key initiative Mr. Madjie aims to continue is the review of the GIPC Act, a process initiated under the previous leadership. The review seeks to modernize Ghana’s investment policies and create a more competitive business environment.
Additionally, he plans to improve the Centre’s turnaround time for key registration processes, making it easier for investors to establish and expand their businesses in Ghana. He also mentioned that some GIPC activities would be realigned and repurposed to take full advantage of the government’s 24-hour economy policy, ensuring a more robust and efficient investment framework.
Building Internal Capacity and Driving Investor Confidence
Recognizing the importance of a well-equipped workforce, Mr. Madjie emphasized his commitment to building the capacity of the GIPC team. He assured staff that he would invest in training programs to enhance their skill sets and ensure they are well-prepared for the evolving investment landscape.
“I intend to build the capacity of the GIPC team to ensure that we all have the required skill set for the future we want to create. It is crucial that we work collaboratively – both internally as a team and externally with partners to move the country forward.”
Mr. Simon Madjie
Mr. Madjie also urged staff to support GIPC’s comprehensive campaign to inform both local and global investors that “Ghana is Open for Business.” He is determined to position Ghana as a regional business powerhouse, attracting long-term investments that will contribute to national economic growth.
The meeting was attended by former GIPC CEO, Mr. Yofi Grant, who ceremonially handed over leadership to Mr. Madjie. Expressing gratitude to the management and staff for their support during his tenure, Mr. Grant encouraged them to extend their unwavering support to the new CEO. He believes that with teamwork and dedication, GIPC will continue to thrive under its new leadership.
Mr. Simon Madjie was appointed as CEO of GIPC by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, replacing Dr. Bernice Makafui, who was reassigned to the Presidency as a Presidential Staffer.
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