Ghana is actively constructing a comprehensive investment ecosystem designed to move beyond its traditional resource base and become a modern, digitally-enabled hub for American business, the Board Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Akwasi Opong-Fosu, has declared at a major U.S.-Africa conference.
Speaking at AfrICANDO 2025 in Miami, United States, Mr Opong-Fosu’s message was clear; Ghana is not just open for business, but is deliberately building the infrastructure, skills and regulatory frameworks required to be the primary gateway for U.S. investment into the vast African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
New investment frontier
While acknowledging Ghana’s established strengths in sectors like gold mining and agriculture, Opong-Fosu placed a powerful emphasis on the country’s digital future.
He spotlighted the government’s “One Million Coders Programme” as a cornerstone of this new direction.
“We are preparing young Ghanaians for global digital jobs and entrepreneurship,” he stated, positioning the initiative as a direct response to the global tech talent demand and a key incentive for technology firms considering an African foothold.
“This, coupled with a thriving digital innovation ecosystem, aims to rebrand Ghana from a mineral exporter to a knowledge economy.”
Engine of growth
A key highlight of the address was the detailed explanation of the government’s “24-hour Economy Initiative.” Opong-Fosu framed this as a critical policy to boost productivity, modernise agriculture and industry and create a more dynamic economic rhythm.
“This is not just about keeping lights on; it’s about fundamentally enhancing the efficiency and output of our economy, making it more competitive for round-the-clock global operations,” he told the audience.
The initiative signals an intent to overcome infrastructural limitations that have historically hampered growth in the region.
In a move aimed directly at investor confidence, Opong-Fosu detailed reforms to formalise the gold trade through the establishment of a new Gold Board.
He assured that this would ensure transparency, responsible resource management, and ensure that mineral wealth is reinvested into local communities.
This push for good governance extends to the broader business environment, where the government has implemented reforms to streamline processes and protect investments.
Strategic ace
The central pillar of Opong-Fosu’s argument was Ghana’s position as the host of the AfCFTA Secretariat. He consistently linked domestic initiatives to this continental advantage.
“With the AfCFTA agreement, Ghana is no longer just a market of over 30 million people. We are your strategic gateway to a unified African market of 1.3 billion.
Investing in Ghana means positioning yourself at the heart of this transformative trade bloc,” he asserted.
By weaving together digital ambition, economic modernization, and continental access, Opong-Fosu’s presentation made a concerted pitch to U.S. investors: Ghana is building the future, and it is inviting them to help build it together.
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