Ghana Eyes Asia: Foreign Minister Ablakwa Assures Japanese Investors of Strong Returns
Ghana has turned its attention to Asia in search of new investment and trade opportunities following the imposition of 15% US tariffs on Ghanaian exports. The country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is part of a high-level delegation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9) which is been led by the President of the Repulic of Ghana, where he assured Japanese investors of Ghana’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment.
Ghana offers a strategic gateway to Africa, providing access to over 1.3 billion consumers under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This makes it an attractive hub for trade and investment. The country has also enjoyed robust trade relations with China, with bilateral trade exceeding $11 billion in 2024. China has offered Ghana 0% tariff access on all exports, a move expected to boost trade and create jobs.
Ghana is promoting investment in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. The country is also exploring opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing and bauxite mining. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that “Ghana is not only a market of about 30 million people, but also a strategic gateway to the African continent, giving investors access to over 1.3 billion consumers under the AfCFTA.” He added that “all necessary support will be mobilized to create a conducive business environment for investors.”
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry has placed economic diplomacy at the core of its foreign policy engagements, aiming to attract foreign investment and promote trade. The country’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has emphasized the importance of creating a favorable business environment and mobilizing necessary support for investors.
