Yokohama: President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday highlighted Ghana's investment opportunities to Japanese investors. Speaking at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, President Mahama mentioned energy, tourism, infrastructure development, and ports and harbors as some of the key areas for investment for their mutual benefits. He emphasized Ghana's strategic location as the center of the world and its reputation as one of the leading destinations in Africa for international direct investments.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama underscored Ghana's role as the host country for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark protocol signed by almost 50 African countries. This protocol allows countries to export duty-free and tariff-free into each other's markets, enhancing regional trade opportunities. President Mahama described Ghana as a land of opportunity, attracting investments from nationals worldwide.
The President encouraged Japanese businessmen to consider investing in Ghana, highlighting the discipline, quality standards, and industrial wisdom that Japanese enterprises possess. He stated, "Africa is the next frontier for investment. Most parts of the world are saturated when it comes to investment. Africa is opening up, is growing, and is a place that Japan should be looking at." He advocated for a partnership combining "Japanese precision with Ghanaian potential" to create a mutually beneficial situation.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana's stable and democratic environment, positioning it as a business-friendly gateway to West Africa and the broader African continent. He noted the growing consumer market, improving macroeconomic fundamentals, and clear reforms aimed at reducing business costs, providing abundant opportunities for technology transfer.
He further elaborated on the government's efforts to re-establish macroeconomic stability and growth momentum. With inflation having peaked at almost 23 percent in 2024, it has now reduced to 13.7 percent, with expectations of reaching single digits by year-end. President Mahama proudly announced that the Ghanaian cedi, once considered one of the most volatile currencies in Africa, is now the best-performing currency globally this year.
Discussing infrastructural development, President Mahama introduced the Government's $10 billion Big Push Policy, aimed at improving infrastructure, particularly in the road, industrial, and agro-processing sectors. The government is investing $2 billion annually towards this goal.
Regarding the 24-Hour Economy Programme, he mentioned that the Government would offer incentives to businesses willing to invest and operate beyond the traditional eight-hour working cycle, thus boosting economic productivity and growth.
