Ghana

On 23 September, China's ambassador said two-way trade with Ghana reached a record US$14.1 billion in 2025, up 19.3%. Chinese deals show particular interest in bauxite and gold. Ghana's environment minister responded that all investment must follow Ghana's laws, which suggests mining and extraction investors will face closer compliance scrutiny.

The Rio Times (citing Ghana News Agency) · 2026-09-23

President Mahama said on 17 September that the 2027 budget will focus on nine priority sectors. He said about US$2 billion a year will go to job-creating sectors through a programme run mainly by the private sector. Agriculture was named as a priority, and the sector details due in the budget could open co-investment and supply opportunities for foreign firms.

Ghana News Agency · 2026-09-17

The US State Department's 2026 Investment Climate Statement for Ghana, published in September, says the new GIPA Act makes registration simpler for foreign-owned firms. It also says investor confidence has been hurt by government moves to take excessive revenue from foreign firms, including changes to established revenue regimes, and by highly prescriptive requirements. Foreign trading businesses still need US$500,000 in equity and must employ at least 75% skilled Ghanaian staff.

U.S. Department of State · 2026-09-30

On 6 October, Foreign Minister Ablakwa said the cabinet had decided to apply to join BRICS, while keeping Ghana's traditional partners. This changes Ghana's diplomatic and trade positioning, which matters for firms whose home markets are in the US or EU and for those weighing China-linked supply chains.

The Rio Times · 2026-10-06

The Bank of Ghana's Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously on 24 September to keep the policy rate at 14%, its third hold in a row. The Governor pointed to rising global price pressure, including crude oil above US$100 a barrel. Entrants should expect cedi borrowing costs to stay high rather than fall further in the near term, even though inflation is well below the policy rate.

The Rio Times (reporting Bank of Ghana decision) · 2026-09-24

The Ghana Statistical Service reported on 7 October that annual inflation rose to 5.2% in September from 5.0% in August, the second monthly increase. Services inflation was 8.3% and housing and utilities 10.3%, so operating costs such as rent, power and services are rising faster than the headline rate suggests.

The Rio Times (citing Ghana Statistical Service) · 2026-10-07

The cedi lost 3.9% against the US dollar in September and closed at about GH¢11.72, taking its losses for the year past 10%. The Bank of Ghana supplied about US$445 million of FX support during the month, and reserves were about US$12.0 billion on 22 September. Analysts expect further mild depreciation as dollar demand rises toward the festive season, so entrants should budget for FX risk on imported inputs and on repatriating profits.

GhanaWeb (citing Bank of Ghana and Databank Research) · 2026-10-06

The ruling party has a two-thirds majority in Parliament under a term-limited president. The opposition NPP held its national delegates conference in Kumasi on 3 October as it rebuilds for the 2028 election. Anti-corruption cases are getting more political: the Special Prosecutor has charged former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta and is seeking his extradition from the US, and the NPP calls the detention of one of its MPs by the Economic and Organised Crime Office intimidation. For entrants, this means more scrutiny of past government contracts, but no threat to policy continuity before 2028.

The Rio Times · 2026-10-09