Mahama woos Japanese investors, positions Ghana as strategic hub for Japan in Africa’s $3 trillion economy
President John Dramani Mahama has made a strong case for Ghana as the premier destination for Japanese investment, touting the country’s stability, strategic location, and business-friendly reforms.
Speaking at the Ghana Investment Forum on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan, President Mahama described Ghana as “a stable, democratic and business-friendly gateway to West Africa and the continent.”
He assured Japanese investors that Ghana offers not only abundant economic opportunities but also the security and predictability needed for long-term business success.
“Ghana is a land of opportunity,” the President declared. “Africa is the next frontier for investment, and Ghana is open for business 24 hours a day.”
President Mahama underscored Ghana’s competitive edge, citing its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which grants investors duty-free, tariff-free access to a continental market of 1.4 billion people.
He noted that inflation, which peaked at nearly 23% in 2024, has dropped to 13.7% and is projected to fall into single digits by year-end, while the cedi, once among Africa’s most volatile currencies, is now the best-performing currency globally.
He further revealed that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act is under review to remove minimum capital requirements for foreign investors, opening doors for small and medium-scale enterprises.
Highlighting opportunities in automotive assembly, agribusiness, textiles, energy, digital economy, and infrastructure, the President also pointed to major ongoing projects, including the creation of industrial parks such as the Dawa Industrial Park, the development of an “economic corridor” anchored on agriculture and manufacturing, and Ghana’s $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure program.
He emphasized the potential for deepened Ghana–Japan trade and investment ties, noting that trade between the two countries grew by over 24% between 2020 and 2024, with companies like Toyota and Honda already assembling vehicles in Ghana for local and regional markets.
He urged Japanese businesses to explore joint ventures with Ghanaian firms, participate in public-private partnerships, and invest in training centers to build skills linked to their industries.
“We wish to encourage Japanese businessmen to look towards Ghana. Let us marry Japanese precision with Ghanaian potential and create a win-win situation for ourselves,” President Mahama said.
Concluding his address, the President officially declared the forum open, reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to serve as a hub for Japanese investors. “‘Ghana is Open for Business.’ At this decisive moment in our history, we are working together to unlock the full potential of our people and our resources. Long live Ghana and Japan partnership.”
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