The government is seeking to convert nearly US$12 billion in announced and pipeline investments identified in the 2025 Annual Investment Report into operational businesses, increased production and jobs.

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said Ghana’s investment drive must move beyond attracting capital to ensuring that investments translate into measurable economic benefits.

“Are they expanding our productive capacity, creating opportunities for Ghanaian enterprises, strengthening value chains and opening new markets for what we produce?” she asked.

Speaking at the launch of the 2025 Annual Investment Report by the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, the Bank of Ghana, the Petroleum Commission and the Ghana Free Zones Authority, the Minister said investments must contribute to Ghana’s industrial transformation by strengthening businesses and expanding production capacity.

Ghana recorded about US$2.6 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, covering more than 250 new projects and existing companies, with significant reinvestment by businesses already operating in the country.

Madam Ofosu-Adjare said the continued commitment of existing investors reflected confidence in Ghana’s economic prospects. However, she stressed that the government’s priority was to translate that confidence into stronger businesses, deeper value chains and sustainable economic growth.

She identified agribusiness as a key sector where investment could generate wider economic benefits, particularly through the local processing of agricultural produce.

According to her, increased local processing would retain more value in the economy while creating opportunities in packaging, transportation, warehousing, distribution and exports.

Beyond agriculture, the government is prioritising strategic sectors including textiles and garments, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing and components, and agro-processing to strengthen Ghana’s industrial capacity.

The Minister said attracting long-term capital would require a business environment supported by reliable infrastructure, access to finance, skilled labor, regulatory certainty, and responsive public institutions.

She added that reforms, including the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Bill and the Business Regulatory Reform Bill, were expected to improve investment facilitation and create a more predictable environment for businesses.

On regional trade opportunities, Madam Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana’s competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area would depend on the ability of businesses to produce efficiently, meet quality standards and supply markets across Africa.

She said the ultimate measure of investment success should be the economic footprint created by the investments.

“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.