Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has held high-level discussions with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers at the Jubilee House in Accra as Ghana seeks to deepen trade, investment, and economic cooperation with the United States state.
The meeting formed part of Governor Evers’ official multi-country African trade mission, which is focused on expanding commercial partnerships between Wisconsin businesses and African economies, with particular attention to agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and industrial development.
The engagement highlighted opportunities for increased private-sector collaboration and stronger economic ties between Ghana and Wisconsin.
Ghana Declares Itself Open for Business
During the discussions, President Mahama emphasized Ghana’s renewed position as an attractive destination for global investment following the successful completion of the country’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) support program.
The President noted that the economic reforms undertaken under the IMF program have strengthened investor confidence and created a more stable environment for businesses seeking opportunities in Ghana.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a competitive economy driven by investment, production, exports, and job creation.
24-Hour Economy Program Takes Centre Stage
President Mahama also highlighted his government’s 24-Hour Economy program, describing it as a major policy initiative aimed at increasing industrial output and improving productivity.
The program is designed to encourage businesses and industries to operate beyond traditional working hours by creating incentives for expanded production cycles.
According to the President, the initiative will support industrialization, increase employment opportunities, and position Ghana as a more competitive player in global markets.
Focus on Export Growth and Industrial Expansion
Discussions also covered Ghana’s strategy to become a stronger export-oriented economy through targeted industrial and trade policies.
President Mahama highlighted the establishment of the Accelerated Export Development Advisory Committee, which is expected to provide strategic direction on expanding Ghana’s export capacity.
The committee’s work is aimed at identifying opportunities for value addition, improving competitiveness, and increasing Ghana’s participation in international markets.
Agriculture Identified as Key Area for Collaboration
Agriculture was identified as one of the strongest areas for potential cooperation between Ghana and Wisconsin.
President Mahama expressed interest in developing agricultural partnerships with Wisconsin-based companies, particularly given the state’s strong agribusiness sector and expertise in food production, processing, and agricultural technology.
The proposed collaboration could create opportunities for knowledge exchange, investment partnerships, and improved agricultural value chains in Ghana.
Wisconsin Strengthens Economic Links With Ghana
Governor Tony Evers, who was accompanied by a specialized business delegation organized by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, reaffirmed Wisconsin’s interest in expanding its economic presence in Africa.
The trade mission seeks to connect Wisconsin businesses with new markets and identify opportunities for investment partnerships across key sectors.
The relationship between Ghana and Wisconsin already includes notable commercial links, including the presence of Niche Cocoa Industry Ltd., Ghana’s largest cocoa processor, which operates a major direct manufacturing facility in Franklin, Wisconsin.
The company represents a significant example of Ghanaian industrial investment extending into the United States.
Ghanaian Officials Participate in Bilateral Talks
The meeting at the Presidency brought together several senior Ghanaian officials, including:
- Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew – Senior Legal Advisor to the President
- Victor Smith – Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States
- Khadija Iddrisu – Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Their participation reflected the government’s broader approach of aligning diplomacy, trade policy, and investment promotion.
Governor Evers Continues African Trade Mission
Following the conclusion of engagements in Accra, Governor Evers and his delegation are scheduled to continue their African tour with a visit to South Africa.
The delegation is expected to meet with companies and stakeholders involved in industrial manufacturing and medical device exports.
The Ghana-Wisconsin discussions form part of a broader effort to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment, and create new opportunities for businesses and industries on both sides of the Atlantic.
Source: Omanghana
