Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to becoming Africa’s preferred investment destination, as Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, courted global investors during the country’s National Day celebration at the ongoing Osaka World Expo 2025.
Addressing business leaders, policymakers and stakeholders at the event, the Minister highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to the 15-member ECOWAS market and its unique role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
“Ghana is open for business, and more importantly, Ghana is ready for partnership,” she declared. “Our goal is to sustain a transparent, predictable and investor-friendly environment that makes Ghana the natural choice for trade and industry in Africa.”
Ofosu-Adjare pointed to the country’s political stability, youthful population, and central location on the continent as key advantages for investors. She further outlined government’s flagship programmes designed to accelerate economic growth, including the Accelerated Export Development Programme, Feed the Industry Programme, Made-in-Ghana Campaign, Rapid Industrialisation for Jobs Programme, the Women in Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Initiative, and the Free Apprenticeship Programme.
“Ghana’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai is not simply about presence; it’s about purpose. It is a call to deepen old alliances and to forge new partnerships,” she said.
The Minister also reaffirmed Ghana’s strong bilateral ties with Japan, citing steady growth in trade between the two nations. Ghana continues to export cocoa, gold and coffee to Japan, while importing a range of industrial and consumer goods.
Vice Commissioner General of the Expo, Shigeto Shikeyema, commended Ghana’s active role at the global fair, recalling the historic bond between both countries dating back to 1927 when Japanese bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi first visited Ghana.
The Ghana Pavilion drew hundreds of Japanese visitors, who were treated to vibrant cultural performances, reinforcing the country’s reputation as not only an investment hub but also a center of rich cultural heritage.
