12th Africa Debate 2026: Ghana Witnessing Renewed Growth - Pres Mahama

Ghana is witnessing a resurgence in economic growth and a notable increase in investor confidence, President John Dramani Mahama announced at the 12th Africa Debate in London. He asserted that the country has overcome a challenging economic period marked by high inflation, a depreciating currency, and substantial public debt.

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And let me emphasize that this recovery is not nearly statistical, it is structural. We are repositioning Ghana as a productive economy built on industrialisation, agro-processing, exports, logistics, digital transformation and value addition.

"A year and half on, he said inflation has fallen dramatically, currently at 3.7 per cent from 23.8 per cent, the cedi stabilised, fiscal position improved, international reserves hitting almost US$14 billion from US$8 billion, and improved credit rating to positive outlook from a junk status," Mahama stated.

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This initiative is not just about extending working hours, it is about reorganising the Ghanaian economy to maximise productivity across manufacturing, logistics, transportation, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital services, tourism and the creative economy.

The President stressed that this recovery is structural, not merely statistical. Ghana is actively repositioning itself as a productive economy centered on industrialization, agro-processing, exports, logistics, digital transformation, and value addition. The "24-hour economy" initiative and an accelerated export development program are designed to expand production, boost exports, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.

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Ladies and gentlemen, the message I bring to investors today is simple. Ghana is open for business. Ghana is ready for strategic partnerships that are uncovered in long-term value creation.

Mahama declared Ghana "open for business" and eager for strategic partnerships focused on long-term value creation. He detailed ongoing reforms to improve the ease of doing business, including strengthening transparency and modernizing infrastructure to foster a more predictable investment environment. He also highlighted Africa's potential, noting its youthful, dynamic, and entrepreneurial population, and vast reserves of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition.

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The Africa of today is youthful, it is dynamic, it is entrepreneurial, it is digitally connected, it is resource rich and increasingly reform-oriented. Africa is home to the world’s youngest population and by 2051 in every four people on earth will be an African.