The seventh Ghana Investment and Trade Week has opened in Accra, drawing over 100 exhibitors and business delegations from more than 30 countries. This three-day event prioritises attracting green energy investments, promoting industrialisation, and strengthening partnerships. These efforts aim to support the government’s ambitious 24-hour economy agenda.
This year’s conference specifically highlighted green energy, especially solar power. This focus responds to the global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Vice-President of MIE Group, Zahoor Ahmed, noted that the summit aligns with Ghana's vision for a vibrant 24-hour economy. Discussions during the programme will cover six key sectors: energy, construction, electric mobility, smart cities, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader economic strategy to boost local production and value-added exports. The government seeks to move away from exporting raw materials. The 24-hour economy policy underpins this transformation, with projections of significant job creation. These efforts aim to enhance Ghana’s economic resilience and reduce reliance on imports.
Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, delivered the keynote address. Mr Tanoh stated that reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy forms the bedrock of Ghana's industrial transformation. He announced major government projects in renewable energy, including developing up to 1.5 gigawatts of solar-backed electricity. These systems will use battery energy storage to provide consistent power for industries.
Mr Tanoh further detailed government plans to invest in waste-to-energy projects and compressed biogas plants. Other investments include electric transport systems, agro-industrial parks, and logistics infrastructure. These initiatives directly support the implementation of the 24-hour economy policy. The programme is expected to generate approximately 890,000 direct jobs and contribute to an estimated 1.7 million total employment opportunities by 2028.
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, urged both local and foreign investors to capitalise on Ghana's favourable investment climate. She highlighted incentives under the Ghana Free Zones Scheme. This scheme offers tax exemptions, duty-free imports for production and exports, and investor facilitation services. Access to industrial enclaves across the country further makes Ghana an attractive destination for export-oriented businesses.
David Wang, Chairman of MIE Group LLC, noted that the exhibition has connected international investors with Ghanaian businesses for six years. It has attracted manufacturers and investors from China, India, Türkiye, and Italy. Mr Wang identified Ghana’s strategic location as the gateway to West Africa, its peaceful environment, and available incentives as key draws for foreign investors. He added that investors appreciate Ghana's stability and increasingly seek to establish manufacturing facilities, creating employment for Ghanaians.
Key decision-makers and markets will closely monitor the implementation of these renewable energy projects and job creation targets. Success in these areas could significantly boost Ghana’s industrial capacity and economic growth. Sustained investor confidence and policy execution will be critical to achieving the stated goals and fostering a competitive 24-hour economy.