By Iddi Yire, GNA Special Correspondent in London
London, June 03, GNA – President Mahama on Wednesday delivered the keynote at the 12th Africa Debate in London, showcasing Ghana as a model of transformation for Africa to emulate.
The debate held at the Guildhall in the City of London, was organised by Invest Africa in collaboration with the United Kingdom Government was on the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition.”
President Mahama presented Ghana as evidence that transformation is possible when leadership reform and national purpose are aligned.
“When I assumed office in January 2025, Ghana was confronting one of the most difficult economic periods in its recent history,” he said.
He noted that inflation was high, investor confidence had weakened, the national currency had depreciated sharply, public debt had risen significantly, and the country was undergoing a painful debt restructuring programme.
“But we refused to accept decline as our destiny,” he added.
He said that within 18 months, the government had implemented disciplined macroeconomic reforms, restored fiscal confidence and stabilising the economy.
“Today, Ghana is witnessing renewed growth and improved investor confidence. Inflation has fallen dramatically. Our currency, the cedi, has stabilised. Our fiscal position has improved significantly,” the President stated.
He added that international reserves had strengthened, credit rating agencies had revised Ghana’s outlook positively, and investor appetite was returning.
He emphasised that the recovery was not merely statistical but structural.
“We are repositioning Ghana as a productive economy built on industrialisation, agro-processing, exports, logistics, digital transformation and value addition,” he said.
President Mahama noted that through the government’s 24-Hour Economy Initiative and the Accelerated Export Development Programme, a new growth model was being created to expand production, increase exports, create jobs and improve competitiveness.
He explained that the initiative was not only about extending working hours but about reorganising the economy to maximise productivity across manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital services, tourism and the creative economy.
“The message I bring to investors today is simple: Ghana is open for business. But beyond that, Ghana is ready for strategic partnerships anchored in long-term value creation,” he said.
“Our government is undertaking major reforms to improve the ease of doing business. We are strengthening transparency, modernising infrastructure, and creating a more predictable investment environment.”
He added that investments were being made in transport infrastructure, roads, railways, ports, energy reliability, agro-industrial parks, logistical corridors, aviation and air cargo systems, digital infrastructure, skills development and innovation ecosystems.
The President said the government’s flagship Big Push infrastructure programme was creating investment opportunities across roads, rail, energy, housing, water systems and logistics infrastructure.
He also noted that local participation in investment partnerships was being prioritised to ensure sustainable growth, domestic capacity building, and shared prosperity.
“For investors gathered here today, Ghana offers political stability, democratic continuity, strategic geographical access to the West African sub-region, and a government committed to reform and private sector growth,” he said.
He added that Ghana also offered clarity of vision, stressing that redefining partnerships requires honesty and long-term commitment.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu