The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has initiated a high-level diplomatic push to formalize a new era of bilateral investment with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan by calling for the immediate resubmission and signing of a pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
During a meeting with Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, the Minister noted that this strategic document is designed to streamline capital flows and unlock joint ventures in the automotive, pharmaceutical, and textile sectors.
“The current economic environment presents an opportune time for Pakistani investors to enter the Ghanaian market. We have intentionally extended the repatriation period to 120 days to offer investors more breathing room and security.
“Ghana is not just a market of 33 million people; we are the gateway to the 400 million citizens of the West African sub-region, and we are ready to facilitate your success”
Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry
The engagement underscored Ghana’s “Reset” strategy, which seeks to diversify its foreign direct investment (FDI) base by partnering with emerging industrial powers from the Global South. A significant highlight of the discussions was the disclosure of a major regulatory reform aimed at bolstering investor confidence.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare noted that the extended investment repatriation period provides international firms with greater operational flexibility and mitigates the liquidity pressures often associated with emerging market ventures.
She assured the Pakistani delegation that Ghana’s stabilized macroeconomic environment and investor-friendly policies ensure “favourable returns,” for those willing to commit long-term capital to the nation’s industrial hubs.
Strengthening Frameworks
Central to Hon. Ofosu-Adjare investment pitch was the “Feed the Industry Policy,” a flagship initiative aimed at achieving national self-sufficiency through value addition.
The Minister revealed that the government has already acquired thousands of acres of land specifically for commercial farming to serve as raw material enclaves for local factories.
To support this transition, Ghana is offering targeted incentives, including duty exemptions, for the importation of advanced agricultural and agro-processing equipment. This policy aligns with Pakistan’s own expertise in surgical instruments and medical diagnostics, offering a unique opportunity for technology transfer in the healthcare and industrial sectors.
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, accompanied by the Pakistan High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Najeeb Durrani, lauded the Ministry’s proactive stance on the pending MOU. He noted that Pakistan is prepared to offer its considerable expertise in education and medical technology to support Ghana’s human capital development goals.
“Pakistan is ready to invest in Ghana. We acknowledge the strategic efforts to revisit the draft MOU, which has been pending since last year. Its signing will not only enhance investment flows but will also deepen the historical diplomatic and political ties between our two nations”
Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare further emphasized that Pakistani firms establishing manufacturing bases in Ghana would benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to the broader African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
By localizing production in Ghana, investors can bypass the high logistics costs and lead times associated with shipping finished goods from South Asia.
She observed that the “Feed the Industry” policy specifically targets the garments and textiles sub-sector, an area where Pakistan holds global prominence, creating a natural synergy for a “technological marriage” between the two countries.
The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry’s (MoTAI) focus on the automotive and pharmaceutical sectors further complements Pakistan’s industrial capabilities.
With the extension of the repatriation window and the availability of large-scale land banks, Ghana is positioning itself as the most competitive destination for Pakistani firms seeking a foothold in the African “frontier market.”
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