The government has announced a shift in its investment policy, with emphasis now being placed on ensuring that capital entering Ghana translates into production, local enterprise development, jobs and access to international markets.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said attracting foreign capital alone was no longer sufficient to measure the success of Ghana’s investment drive.
She made the remarks on Friday, August 21, 2026, when she launched the 2025 Annual Investment Report of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) at the Bank of Ghana in Accra.
The report indicates that Ghana recorded approximately US$2.6 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, covering more than 250 new projects and existing businesses.
According to the Minister, the level of reinvestment by companies already operating in the country reflects continued confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects.
She said the government must, however, ensure that investor confidence produces tangible benefits for the wider economy.
The Minister questioned whether investments were expanding Ghana’s productive capacity, creating opportunities for domestic businesses, strengthening value chains and helping local products reach new markets.
She identified agribusiness as an important area for building stronger linkages between investment and the domestic economy.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare explained that processing agricultural commodities in Ghana would allow more value to be retained locally while generating additional activity in packaging, logistics, warehousing, distribution and exports.
She said government was also targeting textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and components, and agro-processing as strategic sectors for industrial development.
The Minister said Ghana’s ability to attract further investment would depend on creating the conditions businesses need to operate and expand.
These, she said, include reliable infrastructure, affordable financing, skilled workers, regulatory certainty and public institutions capable of responding efficiently to the needs of businesses.
She disclosed that government was pursuing legislative reforms to improve the investment environment.
The Bill establishing GIPA, she said, would strengthen investment facilitation and update the Authority’s role as Ghana competes for capital in the global market.
The Ministry is also working towards the passage of the Business Regulatory Reform Bill, which is expected to provide a framework for reviewing business regulations and improve consultation between government and the private sector.
Madam Ofosu-Adjare said the reforms would also give businesses clearer guidance on regulatory compliance.
Turning to the African Continental Free Trade Area, she said Ghanaian businesses must improve their productive capacity if the country is to fully benefit from access to the continental market.
She urged investors operating in Ghana to build stronger relationships with local suppliers, increase their use of locally produced inputs and support skills development among young Ghanaians.
The GIPA report puts announced and pipeline investments at nearly US$12 billion.
The Minister said government would focus on converting those announced investments into operational projects capable of producing goods, creating employment and generating economic value in Ghana.
“Investment should leave a visible economic footprint in Ghana through expanded production, stronger local enterprises, productive jobs and greater access to regional and international markets,” she said.
She said government would continue measures to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen coordination between institutions and address delays that could prevent investment commitments from becoming actual projects.
The Chief Executive Officer of GIPA commended Madam Ofosu-Adjare for her role in attracting investors to Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
He said manufacturing recorded the highest number of projects in the period under review, while mining services accounted for the largest share of foreign direct investment by value.
The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, said the report pointed to renewed investor confidence in Ghana.
He said its significance extended beyond the investment figures, as it also provided an indication of the direction of investment and economic growth.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between GIPA and the Oxford Business Group at the event to facilitate collaboration on a global investment campaign for Ghana.
