The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has launched a new network to speed up the resolution of investor concerns involving government institutions. This initiative aims to streamline interactions and improve Ghana's overall investment climate.
The Focal Persons Network (FPN) comprises two senior officers from more than 80 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). These officers will provide direct communication channels between GIPA, investors, and the relevant government bodies. The network is designed to tackle operational issues that often hinder business growth and investment retention in Ghana.
This development fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to attract and retain foreign direct investment (FDI). The government is working to restore macroeconomic stability, making a more efficient investment environment crucial. Addressing investor grievances promptly can significantly boost confidence and encourage further capital inflows, supporting job creation and sustainable economic growth. Previous efforts to resolve investor issues have shown room for improvement, highlighting the need for this new, structured approach.
Mr. Abdul Razak Baba, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, explained the network's purpose. He stated, “This is precisely why we are establishing the Focal Persons Network. By designating officers within our partner institutions, we are creating direct points of contact to facilitate the expeditious resolution of investor concerns.” Mr. Baba emphasized that GIPA's engagements with investors frequently identified operational challenges requiring intervention from MDAs and regulatory bodies. The FPN will address these issues, which include taxes, customs, immigration, permits, licenses, utilities, and land matters.
The network's establishment signals a proactive step by GIPA to enhance investor confidence and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Improved resolution times could lead to increased foreign direct investment and reinvestment by existing businesses. Decision-makers and market participants will closely watch the network's effectiveness in its initial months. Its success will be key to Ghana's appeal as an investment destination, potentially influencing future policy decisions regarding business facilitation.
Mr. Charles Opoku-Mensah, Head of the Aftercare and Investor Grievance Division at GIPA, highlighted the authority's objective. GIPA aims to retain existing investments and encourage reinvestment and expansion within the country. He provided data on past performance, noting that GIPA engaged about 1,100 investors in 2025. Out of 58 identified issues, only about 31% were resolved that year. This low resolution rate underscored the urgency for a more effective mechanism.
During the first half of 2026, GIPA recorded 1,028 investor engagements, with a slightly improved 56% resolution rate. Mr. Opoku-Mensah indicated that most resolved cases involved operational issues, which the new network is specifically designed to address. He stressed that the FPN would help prevent investor disputes from escalating into costly litigation. This proactive approach is expected to save businesses time and resources, making Ghana a more attractive place to invest.
The network is expected to significantly improve the turnaround time for resolving investor concerns. GIPA targets a resolution period of three months for most cases. Mr. Opoku-Mensah further detailed the process, stating, “Within three months, we should be able to work with any of the State institutions that it’s related to, and when we come to a conclusion, within 10 days we should be able to communicate the solution to the investor.” This commitment to a clear timeline provides investors with much-needed certainty.
This initiative represents a strategic effort to foster a more enabling business environment. By breaking down silos between government institutions, GIPA aims to support the President's vision for economic growth. The success of the Focal Persons Network will be critical in demonstrating Ghana's commitment to investor welfare and its ability to compete for global capital. Investors will be looking for tangible improvements in efficiency and responsiveness from government agencies.