President John Dramani Mahama says improving economic stability is boosting investor confidence in Ghana, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows rising from US$624 million in 2024 to US$2.62 billion in 2025.
He made the disclosure at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 1,238-acre Afienya Industrial Park, where he attributed the growth in foreign investment to improving economic conditions and renewed interest in Ghana as a destination for long-term investment.
President Mahama said declining inflation and interest rates, coupled with greater stability in the local currency, were helping to make the country more attractive to international investors.
“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 direct investment towards sectors with significant economic potential.
Tema Export Processing Zone records strong export growth
The President highlighted the contribution of the Tema Export Processing Zone to Ghana’s industrial development over the past three decades, describing its performance as an important model for future industrial parks.
Figures from the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) indicate that the Tema zone has supported more than 80 industrial enterprises and generated over US$24 billion in cumulative export revenue over 30 years.
The zone recorded US$3.1 billion in exports in 2025, followed by a further US$1.4 billion in the first half of 2026. If the trend continues, Ghana could match or surpass the previous year’s export performance.
The industrial 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 that the development of new industrial hubs must build on the Tema zone’s experience by providing reliable infrastructure and services, strengthening partnerships with local businesses and ensuring that host communities benefit from industrial expansion.
Afienya Industrial Park targets investors and job creation
Turning to the Afienya Industrial Park, President Mahama assured prospective local and international investors that the project was being designed to address common challenges associated with establishing and operating 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 support 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.
The President said the project formed part of the government’s flagship New Economy Policy, which is 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 under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Afienya Industrial Park is intended to build on the experience of the Tema Export Processing Zone by creating an enabling environment for businesses, attracting new investment and expanding employment opportunities.
The government’s broader objective is to use industrial development to diversify the economy, strengthen local production and position Ghana to benefit more significantly from regional and international trade.
