Audio By Carbonatix
President John Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy for both local and foreign investors, as Ghana takes a major step towards boosting its tourism sector with the launch of a $300 million amusement park project.
The president made the remarks during the ceremony for the Bright International Amusement Park, a massive tourism development spearheaded by Chinese investors under the GreenHouse Group.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama said his administration was committed to creating a business-friendly environment that would attract more investors into the country.
“We are carrying out the reforms that will make Ghana the most attractive destination for investment. All the macro indicators are looking well,” he said.
“Inflation is falling sharply, the economy has stabilised, business confidence is going up, and our currency is relatively stable compared to the past.”
He assured investors, particularly those from China, that his government would continue to protect and facilitate their businesses in Ghana.
“I can assure you that we’ll have an open door to support business people who come and invest, including our Chinese businessmen,” President Mahama stated.
“We’ll make it easy for you to transact your foreign exchange and repatriate your profits. We’re going to make the tax system simple and ensure that your investments are protected.”
The president also disclosed that his government was engaged in negotiations with the United States to address trade-related challenges, including the 15% “Trump Tariff,” and to seek the restoration of the zero-percent AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) policy.
“Currently, negotiations are ongoing with the United States about the 15% tariff that is slapped on Ghana. We’re also negotiating a restoration of the zero percent AGOA policy. If that happens, we can attract more Asian and Chinese businesses to produce here for export into the American market,” he explained.
President Mahama expressed optimism that the new amusement park would significantly boost Ghana’s tourism potential and provide a much-needed recreational facility for families and visitors.
Upon completion, the project is expected to feature a five-star leisure resort hotel with 160 rooms and 20 independent presidential villas, a 5,000-capacity international conference and exhibition center, a 160,000-square-meter water park, 500 high-end golf villas, an artificial beach, waterfront restaurants, and sightseeing yachts.
Describing the project as a major step in enhancing domestic tourism, President Mahama said it would provide a place for Ghanaians to relax and spend quality time with their families.
“Most middle-class families in Accra and in other parts of Ghana do not have anywhere they can go to enjoy time with their children and spouses,” he said.
“When this amusement park is open, it will create an avenue where, at weekends and on holidays, all Ghanaians of all walks of life can come here.”
He added that the park would also attract tourists from neighbouring countries and beyond.
“The addition of the hotel is ingenious because it’s going to attract our cousins from Nigeria and our partners from Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Instead of going to Europe for holidays, they can just come to Ghana and enjoy a beautiful amusement park and resort,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the inclusion of a large convention centre within the project would make Ghana more competitive in hosting major international events.
“The hotel will have a convention centre, so we can hold big conferences and exhibitions here. It’s an opportunity to bring more international events to Ghana,” he said.
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