Invest in Ghana · September 2026
Invest in Ghana: today's numbers.
After the 2022–23 debt crisis, Ghana is growing again: inflation at a multi-year low, record exports and investment flows rising. Here is the picture for investors.
Key numbers
Ghana Statistical Service (Q2 2026 GDP, Aug 2026 CPI), Bank of Ghana (July 2026 MPC, 2025 trade data), GIPC (2025 FDI report).
Why Ghana
Accra, connected.
Direct links to Europe's financial centres, the Gulf, Asia and a continental market of 1.3 billion people.
GMT all yearSame time as London, one hour from Berlin and Copenhagen
English-speakingCommon-law system, a stable democracy since 1992
AfCFTA HQAccra hosts the secretariat of Africa's single market
Act 1173No general minimum capital, except trading companiesWhere the growth is
Sectors to watch.
Year-on-year growth by sector, Q2 2026, and what Ghana sells.
Growth by sector, Q2 2026
What Ghana sells
Exports 2025: $31.1bn, up from $19.1bn in 2024.
New FDI registered with GIPC rose from $0.65bn in 2024 to $2.6bn in 2025.
Digital & fintech
StrongThe fastest-growing part of the economy, driving 41% of all growth in Q2. Mobile money, software, data centres and digital services.
Agro-processing
StrongCocoa, cashew and shea processing with the AfCFTA secretariat based in Accra. Policy pushes more processing at home.
Renewable energy
SelectiveSolar for industry and free zones, mini-grids and storage. Strongest with private buyers of power.
Manufacturing & free zones
SelectiveThe 24-Hour Economy program and a new Afreximbank project facility target factories, logistics and export parks.
Mining & critical minerals
SelectiveRecord gold earnings, and lithium now open. Best entry: large-scale licences, JVs with verified Ghanaian partners, and mining services.
Oil & gas
WatchProduction recovered in 2026, but oil export earnings fell to $2.6bn in 2025 as fields mature.
Outlook ratings are Gotham Consult's view for discussion, not investment advice.
Sector outlook
Where to look next, from where you are.
For investors from anywhere
The GIPA Act 2026 (Act 1173), in force since 15 July 2026, removed the general minimum capital requirement for most foreign investors. Trading companies are the exception and still need USD 500,000 in cash equity. Accra hosts the AfCFTA secretariat, a gateway to a market of 1.3 billion people.
For German investors
Ghana is a G20 Compact with Africa partner. German strengths in manufacturing, vehicle assembly, machinery, vocational training and renewables match Ghana's industrial and 24-Hour Economy agenda.
For Danish & Nordic investors
Nordic strengths in green energy, water, agri-food and shipping fit Ghana's needs. A Danish shipping group co-operates Tema's container terminal, and development funds co-invest alongside private capital.
For UK investors
The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement keeps duty-free, quota-free access. Shared language and common-law roots make financial services, fintech, education and professional services natural entry points.
GIPA Act 2026 (Act 1173)
What the GIPA Act changed.
- Assented to on 15 July 2026, replacing the GIPC Act 865 of 2013. The GIPC is now the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority.
- No general minimum capital for foreign-owned non-trading businesses or joint ventures. The old USD 500,000 and USD 200,000 thresholds are gone.
- Trading is the exception: a foreign-owned trading company still needs USD 500,000 in cash equity, down from USD 1 million.
- Staffing: foreign trading enterprises must keep at least 75% Ghanaian skilled staff, instead of the old headcount rule.
- Registration within five days from a complete application, and it must now be renewed every year, not every two. Missing a renewal carries a penalty.
- Six activities stay reserved for Ghanaians, a shorter list than before. Betting and lotteries now sit under their own sector law.
- Anti-fronting: a Ghanaian-owned trading company with any non-Ghanaian owner or director must meet the USD 500,000 rule.
- Technology transfer agreements must be registered. Unregistered ones cannot be enforced, the fees are not tax-deductible, and banks cannot remit them.
- Expatriate quotas now scale from 2 to 12 people with the capital invested, valid five years.
- New investor grievance procedure with fixed timelines, free, before arbitration or court.
Summary only, current at 24 September 2026, and not legal advice. We confirm every detail against the Act and with the Authority for your case.
Questions
Investing in Ghana: common questions.
How does a foreign company register a business in Ghana?
Register the company with the Office of the Registrar of Companies, register it with the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), open a bank account and register for tax with the Ghana Revenue Authority. Sector licences come on top where your activity needs one. We handle the whole path and report to you in writing.
Is there a minimum capital for foreign investors?
Under the GIPA Act 2026 (Act 1173) there is no general minimum capital for foreign-owned non-trading businesses or joint ventures. A foreign-owned trading company still needs USD 500,000 in cash equity.
How long does GIPA registration take?
Within five days of a complete application. Registration must now be renewed every year, and a missed renewal carries a penalty.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Ghana?
Yes, in most sectors. Six activities remain reserved for Ghanaians, and sectors such as mining, petroleum and banking have their own local participation rules. We check your activity before you apply.
Can we pay Gotham Consult in euros or US dollars?
Yes, if you are not resident in Ghana: the Bank of Ghana allows foreign-currency invoices for non-residents and expatriates. You pay by international bank transfer (SWIFT) to our account at FirstBank Ghana, with the full details on your invoice. Clients in Ghana are invoiced in Ghana cedis, and the prices on this site are in cedis.
Investor packages
Enter Ghana with a local desk.
From your first briefing to a registered company and a verified partner. We work in English, French and Nordic languages, and keep you informed with regular written reports.
Ghana briefing
60-minute call on your sector: numbers, rules, risks and next steps.
Market entry & company setup
GIPA Act 1173 registration, banking, tax and licences, done end to end.
Partner & project due diligence
Background, licences, site visit and a written risk report before you sign.
Investor desk retainer
Local representation, meetings, monitoring and a monthly report.
Briefing
Book a call
Proposal
Scope and fixed fee
Setup & checks
Company, bank, partners
Local desk
Ongoing reports
Talk to our investor desk.
Gotham Consult replies on WhatsApp, usually the same day.