The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has hosted a landmark Ghana–Japan Business Forum with a 54-member Japanese business delegation, building on the momentum generated by President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to Japan in August 2025.

The forum formed part of Ghana’s broader strategy to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and deepen bilateral economic relations with Japan, while offering participating companies insights into Ghana’s business environment and investment climate.

The Japanese delegation was led by Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Atano Kunimitsu, who highlighted opportunities for collaboration in manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure.

She noted that the Japanese government is actively encouraging its companies to expand into Africa through joint public-private missions.

“We believe Ghana is a country that Japanese companies participating in this mission should take a keen interest in and seriously consider for investment,” she stated.

The forum was organised in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

It attracted several high-level dignitaries, including H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, Japanese Ambassador to Ghana; Ambassador Francis Doe, Ghana’s Deputy Ambassador to Japan; Mr. Sampson Ahi, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry (MoTAI); and Mr. Livramento Rui, Chief of Staff of the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Other participants included the Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, Mr. Simon Madjie; Deputy CEO (Operations) of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu; Director and Head of Innovation, Partnerships and Markets at the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo; and the Director of International Cooperation at the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr. Emmanuel Quao.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sampson Ahi outlined priority areas for collaboration, including industrial platforms and export-oriented manufacturing, manufacturing value chains and industrial inputs, logistics, trade facilitation, and standards.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the business environment through practical reforms.

“We will support predictable regulation, improve coordination for investor facilitation, and strengthen aftercare so firms already operating in Ghana can expand with confidence.

When issues arise, we want them raised early and resolved quickly because delays cost jobs and confidence,” he said.

In a presentation titled “Doing Business in Ghana”, GIPC CEO Mr. Simon Madjie disclosed that the Centre recorded 26 projects valued at US$152.1 million in FDI across multiple sectors.

He highlighted investment opportunities, including the Takoradi–Tema and Takoradi–Ivory Coast pipeline projects, the Petroleum Hub Development Project, mooring systems, farm-in and onshore opportunities, as well as gas infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansions.

Mr. Lateef Apau Wiredu of the GFZA briefed participants on the Ghana Free Zones Scheme, noting that investors can operate either within special economic zones or as single-factory free zone enterprises.

Meanwhile, Mr. Emmanuel Quao of GEPA outlined the Authority’s mandate and highlighted export and import opportunities available to investors.

The forum underscored Ghana’s growing appeal as a preferred investment destination and reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening long-term economic cooperation.