Ghana Business News

Follow the latest Ghana business and economy news: the cedi, inflation, companies, banking, and trade. Coverage is curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and kept current through the day, newest first.

Ghanaian local vehicle assemblers must meet local production threshold for VAT exemption
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President Mahama Drives Industrialization with Zonda Tec Expansion and New Automotive VAT Incentives

President John Mahama has commissioned Phase III of the Zonda Tec Ghana assembly plant in Tema, marking a significant milestone in the nation's drive toward industrial self-sufficiency. The expansion is set to boost the plant's capacity to approximately 3,000 vehicles annually, including various trucks and trailers. During the ceremony, the President emphasized the growing importance of Africa's automotive sector, noting that while it currently represents a small fraction of global production, operations like Zonda Tec are attracting continental interest, including a recent visit from the President of Gabon. This expansion is expected to create substantial job opportunities and solidify Ghana's position as a West African hub for automotive manufacturing. To further support this industrial growth, President Mahama announced that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Trade and Industry are finalizing a new incentive framework for semi-knockdown vehicle assembly. Under the upcoming policy, local vehicle assemblers will be eligible for VAT exemptions, provided they meet a specific local-content production threshold. The President clarified that these tax reliefs are intended to reward significant local assembly and discourage minimal assembly practices. Furthermore, the government plans to facilitate hire-purchase financing for salaried workers to increase the domestic market for locally assembled vehicles, complementing broader efforts such as duty-free machinery imports and renewable energy pipelines discussed at the recent Ghana Industrial Summit and Exhibition. Beyond heavy industry, the government is also moving to protect Ghana’s traditional heritage products through intellectual property frameworks. The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), under the Registrar General’s Department, recently hosted a workshop to establish a Geographical Indication (GI) for Akpeteshie, the locally distilled gin. Registrar-General Grace Ama Issahaque and other stakeholders are developing a GI Code of Practice to enhance production standards and branding. By protecting Akpeteshie as a unique Ghanaian product, the department aims to boost the competitiveness of local distillers, improve consumer confidence, and create sustainable employment in rural communities. However, this push for industrial expansion is being balanced with strict regulatory oversight to ensure environmental sustainability. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently demonstrated its enforcement capabilities by forcibly shutting down the operations of Empire Cement Ghana Limited at Weija. The closure followed investigations into sustained pollutant emissions that threatened public health and the company's failure to submit required monitoring reports. As Ghana pursues its industrial agenda, the EPA has mandated that all manufacturers, including Empire Cement, must install proper pollution control systems and adhere to environmental permits before being allowed to operate, signaling that industrial growth will not come at the expense of environmental safety.

President Mahama Urged to Tackle Port Congestion as NTFC Launches New Inclusive Trade Initiatives
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President Mahama Urged to Tackle Port Congestion as NTFC Launches New Inclusive Trade Initiatives

Ghana's trade sector is facing a critical juncture as business leaders call for immediate presidential intervention to address systemic bottlenecks at the nation’s ports. The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has formally urged President John Mahama to lead a high-level delegation, including regulatory heads and ministers, to resolve worsening congestion. Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit warned that excessive physical container examinations and delays are threatening to drive importers toward neighboring regional ports, risking significant economic losses for Ghana. These operational concerns were echoed during a separate engagement between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the Trade Advocacy Group (TAGG), where traders highlighted high import duties, demurrage costs, and limited access to credit as major hurdles to business growth. In response to long-term structural needs, the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) inaugurated a 15-member Trade and Gender Sub-Committee on September 16, 2026. Chaired by Mrs. Monica Josiah, the sub-committee is tasked with promoting gender-responsive trade policies that specifically address the needs of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Ghana's competitiveness within the region. During the NTFC’s second meeting of the year in Accra, officials also reviewed progress on new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for perishable goods and discussed the implementation of the Customs Time Release Study, which aims to identify and eliminate specific causes of cargo delays. Supporting these reforms, Mr. Ebo Quaison, representing the Ministry of Trade, emphasized Ghana’s leadership role as a champion for reducing non-tariff barriers in West Africa. The trade facilitation agenda has received a significant boost from TradeMark Africa, which has committed resources to support NTFC’s priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year. These priorities include practical reforms designed to streamline customs practices and improve the overall ease of doing business. By combining high-level administrative intervention with inclusive institutional policy, stakeholders hope to stabilize the trading environment and maintain Ghana’s status as a primary regional trade hub.

MOMO transaction
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Fidelity Bank Expands as Experts Warn of Mobile Money Fraud and Bank of Ghana Launches InvestorConnect

Fidelity Bank Ghana has marked a significant milestone with the opening of its 82nd branch in the New Sebrepor-Afienya corridor, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible banking services to emerging commercial hubs. This expansion, coinciding with the bank’s upcoming 20th anniversary, aims to serve the growing population and businesses in the Kpone-Katamanso area, reducing the need for residents to travel to Tema for financial transactions. Simultaneously, the Bank of Ghana has launched 'InvestorConnect,' a digital platform that allows investors to directly access their securities and transaction records. During the launch, BoG officials emphasized that using the Ghana Card for identity verification on this platform will enhance transparency and build trust within the investment landscape. While infrastructure expands, financial experts are raising urgent concerns regarding digital security. Restus Numadze, Managing Director of Built Financial Technologies, has cautioned parents against the common practice of sending children to Mobile Money (MoMo) vendors with their Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, Numadze highlighted that such practices lead to unauthorized access and account compromises, as children may inadvertently disclose sensitive information in public. He advocated for increased digital financial literacy and urged the public to use official MoMo applications and change PINs regularly to combat the rising incidents of fraud across the country. In the promotional and investment space, several initiatives are underway to encourage a culture of savings and agricultural growth. Societe Generale Ghana has launched its "Deposit and Win Promo," offering a grand prize of GH"200,000 to incentivise customers to maintain deposits. The impact of such rewards was recently highlighted by Christian Yao Akussah, a 36-year-old farmer and Telecel M’ahitti promo winner, who invested his GH"20,000 prize into improving his farm. These developments occur alongside ongoing discussions about the role of unit trusts in Ghana, as stakeholders look for ways to bridge the financial literacy gap and connect ordinary savings to more diverse capital market opportunities. Looking ahead, the Ghanaian financial sector is preparing for several high-level events aimed at fostering resilience and international trade. The 7th Ghana Credit Excellence Awards are scheduled for October 8, 2026, to honor trailblazers in banking and credit management under the theme of building a sustainable financial ecosystem. Additionally, the upcoming Graphic Business/Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting will gather regulators and business leaders to discuss enhancing cross-border payments. Chidinma Braye-Yankee of Stanbic Bank noted that modern infrastructures, such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, are vital for reducing transaction costs and boosting the competitiveness of Ghanaian businesses in the global market.

Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Opens World Shea Expo as Ghana Scales Agribusiness Partnerships
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Opens World Shea Expo as Ghana Scales Agribusiness Partnerships

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially opened the 2026 World Shea Expo in Tamale, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s drive to transform its agricultural sector into a global powerhouse. The three-day event, themed "From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-led Value Addition in Shea," has drawn over 7,000 participants, including international buyers and local cooperatives. To support this vision, the government inaugurated the 30-acre 'John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm' in Futa, Tamale. This facility showcases faster-maturing hybrid shea trees, aimed at boosting production as Ghana seeks to capture a larger share of the global market. During the event, the Vice President emphasized the government's commitment to financing women in the sector through the proposed Women’s Development Bank. In a parallel move to bolster the cocoa sector, Ghanaian firm Afarinick Company Limited (ACL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s Meiji Co. Ltd. to develop a sustainable agroforestry cocoa model. Formalized on September 14, 2026, in Accra, the agreement coincides with the 100th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate. The partnership focuses on a circular agroforestry model that utilizes farm plant waste and climate-smart practices to improve efficiency. This collaboration leverages Afarinick’s existing 2,000-acre sustainable cocoa plantation in the Volta Region as a prototype, positioning Ghanaian agricultural expertise on the international stage while addressing global demands for sustainable production. Furthering the agenda of food security, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has launched the Ghana Tomato Self-Sufficiency Initiative (GHATSI) in Anloga. Minister Eric Opoku announced a target of producing 100,000 tonnes of tomatoes across 10,000 acres to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports. With current local production meeting only 510,000 metric tonnes of the 805,000-tonne annual demand, GHATSI aims to bridge the gap by providing farmers with financial packages, crop insurance, and rehabilitated irrigation facilities. This initiative is expected to generate over 150,000 jobs while addressing the 30% post-harvest loss rate currently affecting the industry. Complementing these national efforts, private sector players like Asanko Gold Ghana Limited are supporting agricultural resilience at the grassroots level. The company recently launched Phase Two of its Community Agricultural Support Program (CASP), providing 80 smallholder farmers from 12 mining communities with technical training and climate-resilient inputs. Collectively, these initiatives—from shea and cocoa to tomatoes—demonstrate a unified national strategy under the Mahama administration to modernize farming, empower rural youth and women, and establish Ghana as a leader in sustainable, value-added agricultural exports.

NPA CEO, Godwin Edudzi Tameklo
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National Petroleum Authority Reveals GH¢1 Billion Fuel Subsidy as Transport Operators Threaten Strike Over Rising Costs

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has disclosed that the government of Ghana has spent nearly GH¢1 billion to stabilize fuel prices, preventing diesel from reaching a projected high of GH¢28 per litre. NPA Chief Executive Officer Godwin Edudzi Tameklo revealed that international diesel prices have nearly doubled since February 2026, surging from US$794 to US$1,519 per metric tonne. Without the current GH¢2 per litre state intervention—which provides approximately GH¢20 in relief for every 10 litres purchased—the impact on transportation and the cost of essential goods would have been far more severe for the Ghanaian consumer. Despite this support, oil marketing companies have recently adjusted pump prices, with petrol and diesel now trading at approximately GH¢16.77 and GH¢17.77 per litre, respectively, at several outlets. This pricing volatility has triggered significant unrest within the transport sector, with the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) announcing an indefinite strike scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026. PROTOA officials, including Public Relations Officer Samuel Adu-Yeboah, cited the escalating costs of vehicle maintenance, driven by high port charges and taxes on spare parts, as the primary reasons for the service withdrawal. While the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the strike, it confirmed that a committee formed with the Ministry of Transport is currently negotiating a potential 25% to 30% fare increase to mitigate the financial strain on commercial drivers. Individual drivers have reported that the dual pressure of fuel hikes and the depreciation of the cedi is significantly eroding their daily earnings. Amidst these domestic pressures, the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST Energies) has significantly reduced its fuel exports to neighboring Burkina Faso and Mali. Managing Director Afetsi Awoonor stated that the move was necessary to prioritize Ghana’s domestic demand, which has increased as economic activity expands. However, BOSTenergies later clarified that the reduction in export volumes was also influenced by ongoing renovation works at its Bolgatanga depot. To further enhance regional energy security, BOST plans to commission a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminal in Tema and a storage facility in Kumasi by late 2026. Simultaneously, the petroleum market is seeing increased competition as Star Oil’s subsidiary, SOL Energy, recently secured a Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export (BIDEC) license from the NPA, a move expected to give the company greater control over supply chains and pricing. While global oil prices have recently eased—with Brent crude trading around $104.59 per barrel following reports of increased supply from Saudi Arabia—Ghana’s energy sector remains vulnerable to external shocks and currency fluctuations. The Ghana cedi has faced renewed depreciation pressures due to high demand for US dollars from energy importers preparing for the peak trading season. As the government continues to manage the delicate balance between international procurement costs and domestic price stability, the outcome of the September 21 strike deadline remains a critical focal point for businesses and commuters alike.

GRA Boosts Customs Revenue to $450m Monthly via AI While Contesting GH"79.65m Judgment Debt
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GRA Boosts Customs Revenue to $450m Monthly via AI While Contesting GH"79.65m Judgment Debt

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reported a significant surge in monthly customs revenue, rising from $350 million to approximately $450 million following the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in April. Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong described the results as "immediate and striking," attributing the growth to enhanced valuation and classification processes rather than new tax measures. Speaking at the 8th High-Level Policy Dialogue and 23rd General Assembly of the West African Tax Administrators Forum (WATAF) in Accra, Sarpong emphasized that these administrative reforms are critical to closing the region's massive development financing gap, which now exceeds $100 billion. Sarpong highlighted a pressing need for West African nations to improve domestic revenue mobilization, noting that the region's average tax-to-GDP ratio of 13.5% remains significantly below the continental average of 16.1%. To address the $100 billion shortfall required for infrastructure, climate adaptation, and digital transformation, the Commissioner-General advocated for broadening tax bases, leveraging technology to improve compliance, and managing natural resource revenues more effectively. He urged regional tax authorities to evolve beyond simple collection roles into strategic partners for economic development through cross-border cooperation. While celebrating these revenue gains, the GRA is simultaneously engaged in a high-stakes legal battle to protect public funds from a GH•79.65 million judgment debt claimed by Servestar Minwax (WA) Limited. The dispute originated in 2009 over an alleged import duty overpayment of less than GH•1 million, but the figure has since ballooned due to a 35% daily compound interest rate. The GRA has successfully secured a forensic audit to verify the amount and is appealing a High Court order that directed the Bank of Ghana to release the funds from the GRA’s Tax Refund Account. The GRA maintains that the Tax Refund Account is legally protected under the Revenue Administration Act and argues that the current claim is significantly inflated. Despite a previous setback in seeking a stay of execution, the Authority intends to renew its application in the Court of Appeal during the upcoming legal year. These dual developments underscore a broader institutional strategy under Commissioner-General Sarpong: leveraging cutting-edge technology to maximize revenue while aggressively litigating to prevent the depletion of the national treasury through disputed judgment debts.

IFC backs new Accra hotel with nearly 1,000 jobs expected
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President Mahama and IFC MD Makhtar Diop Signal Major Economic Boost with $670 Million Investment Commitment

President John Mahama and the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Makhtar Diop, have held high-level discussions at the Jubilee House to strengthen Ghana’s economic trajectory through strategic private-sector partnerships. The meeting highlighted a significant surge in IFC commitments to Ghana, which have risen from $61 million in the 2020/2021 financial year to $670 million for 2025/2026. President Mahama emphasized that his administration's focus on fiscal discipline and infrastructure expansion, under programs like the 'Big Push,' has successfully reduced inflation and national debt while restoring investor confidence. As part of this broader economic support, the President also announced a $300 million World Bank financing package specifically aimed at eliminating the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027. A cornerstone of the discussions was the revitalization of Ghana’s agricultural sector, with a focus on scaling commercial production and local value addition. President Mahama and Mr. Diop outlined a strategy to process at least 50% of Ghana's cocoa beans locally, alongside investments in oil palm and poultry to create sustainable rural jobs. To support this, the IFC is partnering with Absa Bank Ghana and the agritech firm Complete Farmer to provide financial assistance to over 379,000 farmers by 2030. These initiatives are designed to improve food security and integrate local producers into global supply chains while bolstering the livelihoods of cocoa farmers through Licensed Buying Companies. The IFC's commitment is further reflected in major industrial and tourism projects currently underway. A $39.5 million financing package was recently granted to LMI Holdings for a 100-megawatt solar project at the Dawa Industrial Zone, part of a larger 'Solar for Industries' program targeting 1,000 megawatts by 2032. Simultaneously, the IFC is backing the development of Ghana’s first Hampton by Hilton hotel near Accra International Airport. This project, led by PLP Properties Limited, is expected to create nearly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs and will be a flagship for sustainable hospitality, targeting EDGE Advanced certification for significant energy and water savings. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson noted that these international partnerships are already yielding results, with the cost of capital for local businesses declining as treasury bill rates drop. The government has set an ambitious target to achieve an investment-grade credit rating by 2030 to further lower interest rates and reduce the national debt-servicing burden. Mr. Diop commended President Mahama’s commitment to economic reforms, reiterating that the IFC is contemplating up to $1.2 billion in total future investments as Ghana continues to position itself as a competitive hub for agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital connectivity in West Africa.

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President Mahama Urged to Intervene in Port Congestion Crisis as AI Drives Record Customs Revenue

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on President John Mahama to lead a high-level intervention to address worsening congestion at the nation’s ports, which now threatens to destabilize the construction industry and trade competitiveness. This appeal comes at a time of fiscal contrast; while physical operations at the ports face significant bottlenecks, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reported a dramatic surge in revenue. Monthly collections have jumped from $350 million to approximately $450 million following the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for valuation and classification. At the heart of the operational crisis is a severe clinker shortage at Tema Port, where six vessels carrying 236,000 metric tonnes of the essential cement raw material are currently stranded at anchorage. The delays have resulted in massive demurrage bills ranging between $3.67 million and $4.51 million. With waiting times increasing by an average of 26.5 days, the cement manufacturing industry has warned that these escalating operational costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers, leading to significant price hikes for construction projects and homeowners. The IEAG noted that the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has yet to fulfill its commitment to activate a fourth berth to alleviate the pressure. Beyond infrastructure, the IEAG highlighted systemic inefficiencies within customs practices as a primary driver of the gridlock. Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit pointed to the high rate of physical container examinations as a major contributor to delays. He warned that if the presidency does not dispatch a delegation of ministers and regulatory heads to overhaul these processes, importers may begin diverting cargo to neighboring ports. This risk of cargo loss poses a direct threat to the very revenue gains the government has recently celebrated through its digitalization efforts. In contrast to the physical delays, the GRA’s digital reforms have proven highly successful. Commissioner General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong recently announced that AI-driven administrative reforms have increased monthly revenue by $100 million without the need for new taxes or higher rates. Speaking at the West African Tax Administrators Forum, Sarpong emphasized that the success in Ghana demonstrates how political will and digital innovation can transform fiscal outcomes. However, the current port crisis suggests that these digital successes in revenue collection must be matched by operational efficiency on the ground. As the Mahama administration weighs its response, the business community remains focused on the urgent need for a balanced maritime strategy. While the $450 million monthly revenue milestone provides a strong fiscal cushion, the threat of rising cement prices and the potential loss of transit trade to regional competitors remain high. Stakeholders are now looking for the presidency to harmonize the efficiency of digital tax collection with the physical realities of port logistics to ensure sustainable economic growth.

MTN Ghana, Enterprise Life, and Coronation Insurance Mark Corporate Milestones and Leadership Shifts
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MTN Ghana, Enterprise Life, and Coronation Insurance Mark Corporate Milestones and Leadership Shifts

Ghana's corporate landscape is witnessing a season of significant anniversaries and strategic leadership transitions, headlined by MTN Ghana's 30th-anniversary celebrations and Enterprise Life's 25th-year milestone. These events, coupled with new executive appointments at Coronation Insurance Ghana Limited, highlight a broader trend of market expansion and deepened customer engagement across the telecommunications and insurance sectors. As these companies navigate the evolving economic environment under the administration of President John Mahama, they are increasingly focusing on rewarding loyalty and strengthening internal expertise to drive future growth. In Kumasi, MTN Ghana celebrated its three-decade journey by presenting three brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado vehicles to lucky winners of the MTN@30 Mega Promo. During a vibrant ceremony at the Kejetia Market, Faustina Asante, a beverage trader; Wasila Mahama, a farmer; and Halidu Tanko, an engineer, were rewarded for their loyalty to the network. Sandra Owusu Antwi, MTN's Senior Consumer Marketing Manager, noted that the promotion, which ran from June to August 2026, aims to award a total of nine cars and provide cash prizes to over 30,000 participants. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to showing gratitude to its vast subscriber base that has supported its operations since the mid-1990s. Simultaneously, Enterprise Life has marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of providing financial security to over three million lives in Ghana. At a commemorative thanksgiving service, General Manager Alex Baah Inkoom attributed the company’s success to unwavering customer feedback and a strategic shift toward digital transformation. By investing in technology, Enterprise Life has enhanced service accessibility, solidifying its position as a leading life insurance provider. The milestone reflects the company's growth from its inception to a major pillar in the Ghanaian insurance industry, with a renewed pledge to continue improving the customer experience through innovation. Further strengthening the insurance sector, Coronation Insurance Ghana Limited announced the appointment of Bridget Puorideme as Acting Head of Sales and Distribution, effective September 1, 2026. Ms. Puorideme brings over 15 years of industry experience to the role, having significantly improved the performance of the company’s Kumasi operations during her tenure as Regional Manager. An Associate Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Ghana with an MBA in Marketing, her appointment is intended to sharpen the company's market coverage and drive customer-centric solutions. Her deep institutional knowledge, dating back to 2010, is expected to be pivotal in the company's next phase of growth. These developments collectively signal a robust period for Ghana's business sector. As major players like MTN and Enterprise Life leverage their anniversaries to consolidate brand loyalty, others like Coronation Insurance are positioning themselves for expansion through strategic talent management. The emphasis on digital tools and customer-focused rewards suggests that the competition for market share in 2026 and beyond will be driven by how effectively companies can blend technological efficiency with a personalized touch for their clients.

Eric Addae Boateng (middle), Business Development and Sustainability Manager of Bawa-Rock Limited, presenting the items to Faustilove Appiah Kanin (left), MCE for Obuasi
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Ghana Targets $640 Million Shea Industry Growth as Obuasi Traders Receive Recovery Support

Ghana has set its sights on transforming the shea industry into a $640 million powerhouse, as highlighted at the 2026 World Shea Expo currently underway in Tamale. The government aims to increase annual shea nut production from approximately 130,000 to 400,000 metric tonnes, building on Ghana's 2025 status as the world’s leading exporter of shea butter. Organized under the theme "From Local Commodity to Global Brand: Accelerating Women and Youth-led Value Addition in Shea," the three-day event seeks to pivot the industry from simple raw material export to high-value ownership and enterprise development for youth and women. Speaking at the Expo, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor emphasized the sector's potential to drive job creation and rural development through targeted investment. Key initiatives include the establishment of the John Mahama Shea Demonstration Farm—a hybrid plantation dedicated to research and modern cultivation—and the revival of the Buipe Shea Processing Factory. These efforts, spearheaded by Savannah Golden Tree Limited in collaboration with the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee and Sheanut Farmers Association, aim to overcome persistent challenges like limited financing and inadequate infrastructure. The Expo itself is expected to facilitate nearly $10 million in new business linkages and export opportunities. Parallel to these national industrial goals, grassroots business resilience was bolstered in Obuasi, where Bawa-Rock Limited provided a GH‵1.5 million support package to 300 traders affected by a recent fire at the Obuasi Town Hall. The initiative, which includes the distribution of sewing machines to master trainers and apprentices, is designed to help local entrepreneurs recover their livelihoods and rebuild their businesses. Eric Addae Boateng, Business Development and Sustainability Manager for Bawa-Rock, noted that the package is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to ease the financial burden on affected small-scale businesses. The Municipal Chief Executive of Obuasi, Faustilove Appiah Kanin, joined calls for private sector players to support recovery efforts, echoing the national sentiment of the Shea Expo regarding the importance of sustainable investment. As Ghana continues to strengthen its position in the global market, both the industrial scaling of shea and the localized support for fire victims underscore a dual-track approach to economic stability. By combining large-scale export strategies with targeted local interventions, the country aims to foster an inclusive business environment that supports both global trade ambitions and domestic commercial recovery.

Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku‑Agyemang cutting the ribbon to open the Ghana Garden and Flower Show 2026. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
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Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang and Industry Experts Advocate for Local Investment and Sustainable Export Standards

Ghana is intensifying efforts to bolster its domestic economy and secure a competitive edge in global markets through a series of strategic initiatives focused on horticulture, tourism, and industrial sustainability. Speaking at the opening of the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show in Accra, Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang underscored the economic potential of the horticultural sector, advocating for its transformation into a sustainable industry capable of significant job creation. Under the theme "Green Means Business, Beauty and More," the Vice-President emphasized that environmental protection and economic opportunity are inextricably linked. This sentiment was echoed by presidential advisor Augustus Goosie Tanoh and Stratcomm Africa’s Esther A. N. Cobbah, who both called for a unified commitment to infrastructure and resource management to foster growth. Despite this drive for expansion, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has raised concerns regarding bureaucratic bottlenecks that threaten the nation's export capabilities. Director-General Prof. George Agyei revealed that the GSA is currently facing significant delays in obtaining Ministry of Finance approvals to replace outdated laboratory equipment, even though the necessary funds are already available. These delays pose a direct risk to the testing and certification processes essential for Ghanaian products to meet international standards. Prof. Agyei warned that without modern equipment, the GSA may lose the certifications required to facilitate global market access for local exporters, potentially undermining the progress represented by the 1,200 product certificates already issued by the authority. Parallel to these standard-setting efforts, the government is moving to protect Ghanaian heritage products and diversify the industrial landscape. The Ghana Industrial Property Office (GHIPO), under the Registrar General’s Department, recently hosted a workshop aimed at establishing "Akpeteshie"—a locally distilled gin—as a geographical indication (GI). Registrar-General Grace Ama Issahaque noted that protecting such products through intellectual property laws enhances branding and consumer confidence, while GHIPO’s Courage Komla Besah-Adanu stressed that improved production standards are vital for making traditional products competitive. This push for local ownership is mirrored in the tourism sector, where the new Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), Drolor Bosso Adamtey I, urged Ghanaians to prioritize domestic investment over a reliance on foreign capital. These domestic efforts are being complemented by international cooperation, specifically through a deepening green industrial partnership with Denmark. Jorgen Bollesen of the Danish Embassy recently highlighted that sustainable industrialization is no longer optional, as tightening global regulations demand both high quality and environmental responsibility. This focus on resilient supply chains is particularly timely given recent disruptions in the global manufacturing sector, such as the chemical incident at GKN Aerospace in California that has significantly hampered the global supply of aircraft windows. By adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices and addressing internal procurement delays, Ghanaian industries aim to navigate such global volatility while securing a permanent foothold in premium international markets.

Some winners of the Forty Under 40 Ghana Awards
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Strategic Support for Ghanaian SMEs Expands Through New Funding, Training, and Retail Initiatives

Ghana’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, which drives over 90% of the national economy, is receiving a significant boost through new financial and educational initiatives. GCB Bank PLC recently launched the Kumasi edition of its MSME Caravan Business Clinic, introducing an SME Unsecured Business Loan offering up to GH"1 million. This funding is accessible without collateral or financial statements, determined instead by account activity. The initiative, themed "MSME Unlocked: Powering Ghanaian Businesses for Sustainable Growth," aims to provide critical capital and non-financial management training to a sector that employs approximately 80% of the country's workforce. To complement these financial measures, the E4Impact Foundation and Universit 1 Cattolica del Sacro Cuore have introduced the "Growth for SMEs Programme" (GSP). This six-month executive initiative, hosted at the E4Impact Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center at UPSA, is designed to help established founders and CEOs scale their operations into bankable market leaders by merging European business rigor with African market realities. Simultaneously, the retail landscape is expanding with the opening of AfroQuality in Accra. This platform, which operates in five countries, aims to connect local brands such as Wear Ghana and Horseman to consumers across the continent by reducing distribution and logistics barriers to intra-African trade. The drive for business excellence was further highlighted at the 10th anniversary of the Forty Under 40 Ghana Awards held at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel. Opare Akuamoah-Boateng, Chief Executive Director of MAB International Hospital, secured the top honor among more than 40 young leaders recognized for their impact in sectors ranging from healthcare to technology. The event served as a platform to emphasize the role of innovation and technology in sustaining corporate success. In a broader discussion on leadership and succession, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, recently reinforced the importance of capable leadership over traditional inheritance norms, stating that his daughters are fully prepared to lead his conglomerate, making a male heir a non-priority for his business empire. Central to the long-term success of these growing enterprises is the development of a high-performance organizational culture. Leadership experts emphasize that CEOs must prioritize clear expectations, accountability, and recognition to enhance employee engagement and productivity. As these financial, educational, and market-access initiatives converge, the Ghanaian business landscape is being reshaped by a dual focus on immediate sustainable growth and the cultivation of a resilient, visionary leadership pipeline for the future.