The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has launched a landmark initiative—the Investment Opportunities Mapping Project (IOMP)—as a strategic move to decentralise Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows and unlock regional economic potential across all 261 districts of Ghana.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the initiative seeks to identify viable investment opportunities at the district level, thereby catalyzing inclusive development and equitable growth.
Launched under the theme “Unlocking Regional Investment Potential in Ghana for Economic Growth and Prosperity,” the IOMP aims to address the long-standing imbalance in investment distribution between urban and rural Ghana. By spotlighting investible prospects in each district, the project seeks to stimulate both Local Direct Investment (LDI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), generate employment, and boost infrastructure and industrial development in underserved areas.
A central feature of the project will be a digital platform offering real-time, accessible data on district-level investment opportunities to both local and international investors. This will help de-risk investment decisions, promote transparency, and build investor confidence in Ghana’s diverse economic landscape.
Key Goals and Outcomes
Speaking at the launch, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah hailed the IOMP as “a bold step toward equitable national development.” He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond data collection—it marks a paradigm shift in Ghana’s approach to development.
“This initiative is not merely about mapping opportunities; it represents a fundamental shift in our approach to development. It aims to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of their location, has an equal opportunity to benefit from investment and economic growth.”
Julius Debrah
GIPC CEO Simon Madjie outlined the IOMP’s objectives, which include:
- Facilitating job-creating investment projects in all districts.
- Building a comprehensive national investment database.
- Empowering Ghana’s foreign missions to serve as strategic investment ambassadors.
- Enhancing the investment advocacy capacity of regional ministers, local government officials, and traditional authorities.
Madjie highlighted the dual focus on LDI and FDI, noting that “through this initiative, the government aims to increase Local Direct Investment just as much as Foreign Direct Investment.”
Strategic Components of the IOMP
The IOMP will be driven by several strategic pillars designed to embed investment promotion within both domestic and international policy frameworks. Among the key components are:
- Ghana Diplomatic Investment Drive (GDID): This initiative will position Ghana’s embassies and consulates worldwide as promoters of district-level investment opportunities, transforming them into economic diplomacy hubs.
- Ghana International Investment Summit: A high-level platform where global investors, policymakers, and local businesses can interact and explore investment in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.
- Flagship Investment Projects: High-potential initiatives like the Volta Economic Corridor, Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, and the Akosombo–Juapong Garments and Textiles Cluster will be featured prominently to attract targeted investments.
Madjie also announced plans for regional roadshows and stakeholder forums, which will raise awareness of the project, train local authorities, and create a framework for the effective management and retention of investment at the local level.
Local Leaders Embrace the Vision
Volta Regional Minister and Dean of Regional Ministers, Mr. James Gunu, commended the IOMP and pledged full support for its implementation. He highlighted its alignment with the government’s broader development agenda, particularly the 24-Hour Economy Project.
“We are getting our districts and local groups ready to make sure the investment opportunities within the region are well-prepared and presented in a compelling way,” he assured, referencing the Volta Economic Corridor as a critical part of the regional investment strategy.
By decentralising investment flows and focusing on localised opportunities, the IOMP is set to transform Ghana’s investment landscape. The project represents not just a tool for mapping opportunities but a powerful lever for equitable economic transformation.
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