“Ghana Isn’t Asking for Charity—It’s Open for Business”: Kwamigah-Atokple Makes Bold Pitch to Investors in Chicago

Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah‑Atokple has called on international investors to seize emerging opportunities in Ghana, describing the country as a secure, high‑return investment destination with vast untapped potential—particularly in the Volta Region.

Speaking at the 5th Annual Business Exchange Forum – Invest in Ghana Dialogue in Chicago, he shared the stage with Ghana Investment Promotion Centre CEO Simon Madjie, Sonya Harper, and a cross‑section of business leaders, investors and members of the African diaspora.

Kwamigah‑Atokple delivered what he termed Ghana’s “compelling investment story,” stressing that the country is not seeking aid but strategic partnerships that unlock value for both investors and citizens.

“Ghana is not asking the world for charity; Ghana is inviting the world to do business,” he said, adding that investors seeking confidence and sustainable returns should place Ghana at the top of their list.

He outlined Ghana’s economic strengths, noting that the country remains one of Africa’s largest economies, the continent’s leading gold producer, and among the top six gold‑producing nations globally. He also highlighted Ghana’s joint leadership with Côte d’Ivoire as the world’s largest cocoa producer.

Kwamigah‑Atokple emphasized Ghana’s strategic advantage as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, giving investors access to a continental market of more than 1.4 billion people.

He said these fundamentals create strong opportunities in value addition, industrialisation, agribusiness, logistics, tourism, technology and manufacturing.

A major focus of his address was the Volta Region, which he described as one of Ghana’s most promising yet underexplored investment frontiers. He pointed to its fertile agricultural land, abundant water resources, rich tourism assets and peaceful environment as key advantages.

He also referenced emerging government plans for a modern port and harbour facility in the region, which he said would position the Volta Region as a future trade gateway for Ghana and West Africa.

“With these developments, the Volta Region is poised to become an important gateway for trade and investment,” he noted, highlighting opportunities in commercial agriculture, agro‑processing, fisheries, manufacturing and hospitality.

Concluding his remarks, he urged investors to act early rather than wait for the crowd, saying:

“Fortunes are rarely made by following the crowd. They are made by recognising opportunity before everyone else does.”

Kwamigah‑Atokple expressed appreciation to the organisers—including The Progressive Minds Show and partners of the forum—for convening investors, development partners and industry leaders to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and the United States.

He reaffirmed that Ghana remains open for business, and that the Volta Region is ready for investment.

— Attractive Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah