Ghana Seeks British Investment to Drive Agribusiness and Banking Growth
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has held talks with British International Investment (BII) as part of a renewed push to attract foreign capital, with a focus on agribusiness and financial sector reforms.
The discussions come amid Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen its banking industry, with Dr. Forson emphasizing that the country remains open for business. “We welcome partners ready to grow with us,” he said.
A key agenda item was the government’s forthcoming Palm Industry Policy, which aims to develop 50,000 hectares of oil palm plantations as part of efforts to reduce the economy’s reliance on cocoa exports. An initial $100 million investment is expected to finance the first 20,000 hectares, with private sector participation seen as critical to the project’s success.
“Our goal is to attract large-scale agribusiness investment that generates employment and increases export revenues,” Forson noted.
The government also signaled its intention to bolster the banking sector by inviting BII to support the restructuring and expansion of Consolidated Bank Ghana (CBG). The move aligns with Ghana’s broader financial sector reforms aimed at improving credit access and financial stability.
BII, which has more than $200 million in existing investments in Ghana, primarily in energy, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the country. “Ghana remains a priority market in the region,” BII representatives said.
In a sign of growing confidence, the institution is considering bringing its full Board to Ghana for the first time in nearly a decade, underscoring renewed interest at the highest levels. It has also expressed readiness to explore investments in SMEs, forestry, and other high-growth sectors.
Dr. Forson stressed that the government was committed to creating an attractive investment climate. “We are building an environment for investors focused on sustainable growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
With foreign direct investment flows under scrutiny, Ghana’s engagement with BII highlights its strategy of leveraging private capital to drive long-term economic transformation. Whether these discussions translate into tangible investments will be a key test of the country’s ability to maintain investor confidence.
