President John Dramani Mahama has officially assented to the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026, transforming the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) into the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA). This new law, Act 1173, was signed on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, marking a significant reform in Ghana’s investment landscape.
The transition from a “Centre” to an “Authority” signifies an expanded mandate and stronger institutional and enforcement powers for the body. This reform is the most comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s investment regime in over a decade, replacing the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865). The GIPA will now actively attract, facilitate, promote, and retain investment, while also supporting Ghanaian businesses in regional and global markets.
This legislative change comes as African economies intensify competition for investment flows, particularly in key sectors like manufacturing, technology, and agribusiness. For Ghana, the institutional upgrade moves investment promotion beyond passive registration to a more proactive model of investment facilitation, aftercare, and enforcement. This strategic shift aims to bolster investor confidence and enhance Ghana’s attractiveness as a premier investment destination.
Among the key reforms in Act 1173 is the removal of blanket minimum capital requirements for wholly foreign-owned enterprises and joint ventures with Ghanaian partners. The Act, however, retains a reduced threshold specifically for trading enterprises. This distinction aims to balance attracting productive investment with protecting local traders from direct competition.
Simon Madjie, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority, described the new law as a defining moment for Ghana’s economic narrative. He stated, “The Authority we are building today is designed to respond to investors with the speed, transparency, and consistency that global capital demands.” Mr. Madjie also emphasized that investment benefits must be shared broadly across Ghanaian communities.
The new Act also introduces a statutory Investor Grievance Mechanism, providing businesses with a formal channel to address regulatory and administrative concerns. This mechanism is expected to strengthen investor protection and provide greater regulatory certainty. The GIPA will also promote sustainable investment, technology transfer, and social inclusion, requiring annual renewal of registration for all registered enterprises.
Furthermore, the Authority's mandate now includes outward investment promotion, expanded expatriate quota thresholds, and the establishment of a One-Stop-Shop for investors. It also incorporates citizenship-by-investment provisions and aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Investment. This alignment is crucial, positioning GIPA as Ghana’s focal institution for implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment.
This strategic move reinforces Ghana’s ambition to leverage its role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat to attract investors seeking access to the wider continental market. For international investors, multinational enterprises, and fund managers, the new framework promises improved investor protection and more efficient administrative processes. The reforms ultimately seek to solidify Ghana’s position as a strategic gateway to the African market, attracting quality investment that drives sustainable economic growth and job creation.