Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has assured Chinese investors that Ghana is on course to become the most business-friendly destination in Africa, emphasizing a new era of economic transformation anchored on transparency, innovation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Speaking at the Presidential Investment Forum held in Beijing as part of his state visit to China, President Mahama outlined far-reaching policy reforms and major investment opportunities under his administration’s pro-enterprise agenda.
Addressing an audience of Chinese captains of industry, investors, and policymakers, President Mahama described Ghana as a nation “open for business, open to innovation, and open to partnerships,” particularly with Chinese counterparts.
He said his government is implementing comprehensive reforms to make Ghana one of the most attractive destinations for both local and foreign investors, with a clear focus on removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and promoting industrial growth.
“We are implementing pro-enterprise reforms to make Ghana one of the most business-friendly destinations in Africa.
“A new Investment Promotion Authority Bill will abolish minimum capital requirements for foreign and joint venture investors and will provide a clear path for long-term investors to qualify for Ghanaian citizenship—a symbol of trust and belonging.”
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama revealed that the government is also modernizing public-private partnership frameworks to ensure faster, fairer, and more transparent approvals of investment applications.
He noted that Ghana’s status as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat provided investors with unmatched access to a $3.4 trillion single market and over 400 million consumers through the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme.
“Above all, our democratic stability that has been uninterrupted for more than 30 years is the strongest guarantee of investor confidence.”
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
He said Ghana’s consistent adherence to democratic governance and the rule of law provided a stable environment for business, distinguishing it as a preferred investment destination on the continent. “Ghana is open for business, and we are open to innovation, we are open to partnerships, especially with our Chinese counterparts,” he emphasized.
The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Program
At the heart of Ghana’s transformation agenda, the President explained, lies the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Program, which is anchored on the Volta Economic Corridor Project—one of the most ambitious initiatives in Ghana’s recent history. The project, he said, rests on four interlinked pillars designed to spur nationwide growth and inclusive development.
“The first is irrigating over two million hectares of land for all-year-round farming. The second is building agro-industrial parks for textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
“The third focuses on developing tourism and hospitality hubs along the Volta Lake—one of the world’s largest man-made inland lakes. And the fourth involves establishing a modern inland water transport and logistics system linking farms, factories, and markets.”
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Supporting these efforts, President Mahama highlighted key catalytic projects, including the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, the Akosombo-Juapong Garments and Textiles Park, and the Eden Volta Agricultural Project.
Each of these, he said, presents significant investment opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, cold chain logistics, and value-added agro-processing.
To unlock large-scale growth, the President announced the commencement of the Big Push Infrastructure Program, a $10 billion initiative focused on completing major roads, bridges, power systems, and digital networks while strengthening Ghana’s links to regional markets.
“We invite Chinese investors to explore partnerships in roads and smart cities, renewable energy, and digital connectivity”.
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
The Big Push Infrastructure Drive
President Mahama also pointed to the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, a GHS 1.5 billion program aimed at ensuring food security, boosting productivity, and expanding agricultural exports.
Additionally, his administration is investing $3 billion in a Digital Jobs Initiative designed to equip Ghana’s youth for a technology-driven global economy. He expressed optimism about deepening technological collaboration between Ghana and China, given China’s global leadership in innovation and digitalization.
“We believe that China, with its comparative advantage in digitalization and innovation, will be a partner to the vibrant, youthful population of Africa and Ghana in this regard”.
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Reflecting on Ghana’s broader development vision, President Mahama described the nation’s new direction as one driven by enterprise, inclusivity, and resilience.
“This is the new Ghana we are creating. A 24-hour economy of opportunity and innovation; a bold infrastructure drive connecting every community and enterprise.
“A modern agricultural engine that feeds our people and exports to the rest of the world; a digital revolution that empowers our youth; and an industrial vision that adds value and secures prosperity for generations to come.”
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Ghana: A Strategic Entry to the African Market
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to offering Chinese investors not only a stable and profitable environment but also a strategic entry point to the broader African market. In return, he called for partnerships that accelerate industrialization, advance technology transfer, and create shared value for both nations.
“Ghana offers Chinese investors not only stability and profitability but also a strategic gateway to the heart of Africa. In return, we seek partnerships that accelerate industrialization and advance technology transfer to create shared value for our people.
“Ours will be a win-win partnership. Your success in Ghana in investment will be our shared success. Together, let us turn opportunities into achievements and ambitions into lasting prosperity.”
Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama’s remarks in Beijing form part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen Ghana-China relations, which have spanned over six decades of cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and technology.
The Presidential Investment Forum provided a platform for Ghana to showcase its new investment vision while deepening ties with one of its most important economic partners.
With his administration’s pro-business reforms, strategic infrastructure drive, and unwavering commitment to democratic governance, President Mahama projected Ghana as a gateway to Africa’s emerging markets—offering stability, opportunity, and a partnership built on trust and mutual benefit.
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