President John Dramani Mahama says improving economic stability is strengthening investor confidence in Ghana, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows rising to US$2.62 billion in 2025 from US$624 million in 2024.
He disclosed this at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park, where he linked the increase in foreign investment to improving economic conditions and renewed interest in the country.
President Mahama attributed the growth to declining inflation and interest rates, alongside greater stability in the local currency, which he said were helping to position Ghana as an attractive destination for long-term investment.
“The stability of the Ghanaian economy is attracting strong interest from global investors,” he said, adding that the trend reflected growing confidence in the government’s leadership and its efforts to channel investment into viable sectors with significant economic potential.
President Mahama also pointed to the Tema Export Processing Zone’s role in Ghana’s industrial growth over the past 30 years, saying its success offers valuable lessons for the development of future industrial parks.
According to figures from the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), the Tema zone has supported more than 80 industrial enterprises and generated over US$24 billion in cumulative export revenue over 30 years. It also recorded US$3.1 billion in exports in 2025.
A further US$1.4 billion in exports was recorded in the first half of 2026, putting the country on course to match or exceed the previous year’s performance if the trend continues.
The zone has also sustained more than 78,000 direct jobs, with Ghanaians accounting for 98 per cent of the workforce.
“Behind these figures are real households in Tema, Ashaiman, Shai Hills, and surrounding communities whose livelihoods depend on these opportunities,” President Mahama said.
He stressed the need to build on the Tema zone’s experience by ensuring that new industrial hubs provide reliable services, strengthen links with local businesses and deliver lasting benefits to their host communities.
Turning to the Afienya Industrial Park, the President assured prospective local and international investors that the development was being planned to address common operational challenges associated with setting up businesses.
He said the 1,238-acre site was free from land litigation and would be equipped with essential infrastructure, including electricity, water, road access and digital connectivity, to facilitate the establishment of factories.
“At Afienya, our goal is to translate industrial policy into tangible, practical opportunities for businesses and job seekers alike,” he said.
President Mahama added that the industrial expansion formed part of the government’s flagship New Economy Policy, scheduled for implementation in 2027.
The policy is expected to accelerate structural transformation, increase domestic value addition and strengthen Ghana’s position as an export hub within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).