The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has launched its Investment Opportunities Mapping Project (IOMP), a transformative national initiative designed to identify and promote viable investment opportunities across Ghana's 261 districts.

This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry (MOTAI), and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).

When implemented, the project will unlock new economic growth and promote fair development across the country. A key outcome will be a new online platform that enables investors from Ghana and around the world to easily access up-to-date information on investment opportunities. Specifically, the project intends to:

• Help facilitate new investment projects at the district level, which are expected to create several new jobs.
• Build a national investment database covering all 261 districts and identifying promising investment opportunities.
• Strengthen Ghana's foreign missions so they can better promote and attract investments.
• Improve the ability of regional ministers, local government leaders, and traditional authorities to advocate for local and international investments effectively.

Launching the project on the theme, “Unlocking Regional Investment Potential in Ghana for Economic Growth and Prosperity,” the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, described IOMP as a new era of inclusive investment.

“This initiative is not merely about mapping opportunities; it represents a fundamental shift in our approach to development. It aims to ensure that every Ghanaian, regardless of their location, has an equal opportunity to benefit from investment and economic growth,” he added.

Mr Debrah lauded the GIPC’s strong commitment to advancing local investment, supporting Ghanaian enterprises, and empowering homegrown entrepreneurship.

He further assured the Centre of the President’s full support of the IOMP and urged all Regional Ministers and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take ownership of the economic transformation of their communities.

For his part, the CEO of GIPC, Simon Madjie explained that the IOMP was started for several reasons, including the need to encourage more local capital by giving Ghanaians who have the means to invest in their own country. "Through this initiative, the government aims to increase Local Direct Investment (LDI) just as much as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)," he said.

Mr Madjie also pointed out that many local and foreign investors, as well as Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad and foreign embassies in the country, have often mentioned the lack of reliable data needed to make informed investment decisions and to promote Ghana effectively. He emphasised that the IOMP is thus a timely solution that will provide readily available and easily accessible information on specific, viable projects to attract investors.

He further highlighted the core pillars of the IOMP, which include the Ghana Diplomatic Investment Drive (GDID). This drive aims to make Ghana's foreign missions key ambassadors for investment. There's also the Ghana International Investment Summit, planned to bring together international investors, government leaders, industry experts, and local businesses to explore strategic investment opportunities across key sectors of Ghana's economy.

Mr. Madjie also mentioned that under the IOMP, some key initiatives, such as the Volta Economic Corridor, the Legon Pharmaceutical Innovation Park, the Kumasi Machinery and Technology Park, and the Akosombo–Juapong Garments and Textiles Cluster, among others, will be clearly profiled, well-presented, and actively promoted.

Additionally, he said a series of high-level forums, including regional roadshows, will be held across the regions to raise awareness of the project. These events will also help local governments, traditional authorities, and other relevant stakeholders learn how to attract better investments, manage them more effectively, and facilitate their implementation.

Finally, Mr. Madjie, called on investors and partners to explore the many opportunities that Ghana has to offer through the IOMP.

James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister and Dean of Regional Ministers, expressed his optimism about the project. He noted that it aligned with the government’s vision for regional development, particularly the Volta Economic Corridor, which is a key part of the 24-Hour Economy Project.

He assured the GIPC of his support and participation in the IOMP through the regional roadshows, stating, "We are getting our districts and local groups ready to make sure the investment opportunities within the region are well-prepared and presented in a compelling way”.