
The Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra recently hosted the 2026 Mövenpick Accra Business Forum, a landmark event that underscored Ghana's robust economic recovery and the growing confidence of the international investment community. Centered on the theme "Building Confidence in Ghana’s Business Climate – Taxation, Forex, and Investment Outlook," the forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, and investors to evaluate the nation’s fiscal progress. Key macroeconomic indicators presented during the session revealed a significant turnaround: Ghana’s GDP growth reached 6% in 2025, while inflation plummeted from a 2022 peak of 54% to a remarkable 3.3% by early 2026. This stability is further supported by a substantial increase in gross international reserves to $14.5 billion and a reported trade surplus of $3.7 billion.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, and the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie, provided insights into the government's strategic initiatives driving this growth. Mr. Madjie revealed that Ghana has successfully secured approximately $2.6 billion in commitments across 255 projects, with the petroleum sector attracting significant interest, including a $2 billion drilling partnership. To sustain this momentum, the government has introduced the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP) and implemented comprehensive tax reforms aimed at efficiency and transparency. These efforts, alongside the "Big Push" infrastructure initiative and the 24-Hour Economy Programme, aim to create a predictable environment for both domestic and international capital.
Beyond the macroeconomic figures, industry leaders emphasized that policy clarity and currency stability remain the bedrocks of sustainable business operations. Isaac Okpoti Adjei, General Manager of the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, stressed that volatile exchange rates and opaque taxation can disrupt long-term planning, urging continued collaboration between the private sector and policymakers. This sentiment was echoed by analysts from Deloitte Ghana, who noted that while the appreciation of the Cedi offers a window of opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), these businesses must adopt better financial practices to navigate high-interest rates. The forum also highlighted the role of the Registrar of Companies and the Ghana Revenue Authority in streamlining regulatory compliance to bolster the ease of doing business.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the narrative of recovery is met with calls for more inclusive growth. Development economist Cindy Nortey warned that while macroeconomic figures are commendable, they must translate into tangible improvements in the quality of life for ordinary Ghanaians. She noted that rising inequality and high living costs continue to strain local businesses, potentially jeopardizing social stability. As Ghana positions itself as a gateway to Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the government aims to convert international interest—such as that shown at recent investor roundtables in New York—into sustainable projects that drive job creation. Moving forward, the Mövenpick Accra Business Forum will become an annual event to ensure ongoing dialogue on the country's economic evolution.
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