Simon Madjie has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), replacing Dr. Bernice Makafui Brempong, whose tenure lasted a mere two weeks.

Dr Brempong’s sudden reassignment has raised eyebrows, with no official explanation from the government.

However, sources suggest she has been moved to a strategic role at the Jubilee House, though details of her new position remain undisclosed.

Her swift exit has fueled speculation about the circumstances leading to the leadership change.

An accomplished economist and public policy expert, Dr. Brempong’s brief tenure at GIPC was expected to bolster investment efforts in Ghana.

However, the transition now places the responsibility in the hands of Simon Madjie, a seasoned trade and investment professional.

Mr Madjie brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as the Executive Secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce, Ghana.

During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening trade ties between Ghana and the United States, facilitating high-profile investment projects, and positioning Ghana as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

A lawyer and international trade expert, Madjie is an Abshire-Inamori International Leadership Fellow from the Center for Strategic International Studies (CSIS), Washington, D.C.

He is also a fellow of the Institute of International Affairs, Ghana, and a member of the Ghana Bar Association.

With over a decade of experience in investment facilitation, Madjie has been instrumental in the formation of American Chambers of Commerce in Ethiopia, Angola, The Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire.

He also led the establishment of the AfCFTA Resource Center in Ghana, designed to bridge the information gap for businesses looking to navigate Africa’s largest trade agreement.

His expertise in trade and investment has earned him global recognition, including serving as a judge for the 2022 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Africa Digital Competition, where he helped identify top African tech startups.

Mr Madjie holds a master’s degree in International Trade Law from the University of Turin, the European University Institute, the United Nations Convention on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

His appointment signals a new phase for GIPC as Ghana seeks to attract and sustain foreign investment. Whether he will bring stability to the role after the unexpected leadership shake-up remains to be seen.