The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has taken a bold step to change how investment is attracted and spread across the country. On July 10, 2025, the Centre launched the Investment Opportunity Mapping Project (IOMP), a nationwide effort to identify and promote economic opportunities in all 261 districts. President John Dramani Mahama fully backs this project and is in line with his vision to create jobs, expand industries, and modernise the economy.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, described the initiative as a turning point for Ghana’s development.
He said the project will ensure that every Ghanaian, no matter where they live, has a fair chance to benefit from investment and economic growth.
He also called on regional and district leaders to take full ownership of their local economic development.
A Clear Roadmap for Impact
The IOMP is not simply about listing investment opportunities. It is a well-thought-out plan to breathe life into the government’s 24-hour economy policy by uncovering promising prospects in every part of the country and presenting them in ways that appeal to serious investors. It recognises that Ghana’s growth must be inclusive, spreading far beyond the capital and creating balanced development.
At the heart of the project is a commitment to producing detailed, data-driven profiles for each district. These profiles will become practical investment guides for both local and foreign investors, ensuring that the GIPC has a powerful tool to promote opportunities in a targeted way, nationally and internationally. The idea is simple: reliable data leads to smarter decisions, and smarter decisions lead to stronger investments.
The plan also takes investment promotion closer to the people. Through regional forums, communities will showcase their business potential directly to decision-makers and potential partners. This approach is supported by in-depth assessments of each district’s strengths, resources, and infrastructure, ensuring that opportunities are matched with the right type of investor.
Another important focus is changing public perception. For years, many have believed that GIPC’s work centered mainly on foreign direct investment. The IOMP is designed to make clear that the Centre is equally committed to growing local investment, creating the conditions for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and businesses to expand.
For the benefits to be lasting, local governments must have the skills and systems to attract and manage investment effectively. The project will therefore build the capacity of district and regional authorities, working closely with traditional leaders, Regional Ministers, and key stakeholders. This will ensure that investments are not just directed to these areas but are also sustained and owned by the communities themselves.
Supporting the President’s Economic Agenda
President Mahama’s economic plan is anchored on three pillars: industrialisation, infrastructure growth, and digital transformation. The IOMP supports all three. By gathering detailed intelligence on every district, the project makes it easier for government and investors to decide where to build factories, improve transport links, or invest in technology.
The Chief of Staff stressed that the current imbalance in investment inflows has left many regions underdeveloped. Over three-quarters of investments are concentrated in Greater Accra, while other regions with strong potential are often overlooked. The IOMP aims to fix this by presenting credible, location-specific data to guide investment decisions.
From Launch to Field Work
Since the launch, GIPC has been preparing to visit every region. The teams will engage Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives, development partners, financial institutions, the media, and the public to gain a deep understanding of local opportunities and challenges.
Chief Executive Officer, Simon Madjie has made it clear that the goal is to profile, pitch, and promote opportunities that will attract both foreign and local investors. He has emphasised that Ghana must grow Local Direct Investment alongside Foreign Direct Investment, giving citizens with capital the chance to contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
Driving Industrialisation and Value Addition
The mapping exercise will target sectors where Ghana can move up the value chain. For example, districts that produce large volumes of cocoa, mango, cashew, or cassava can be linked with investors to establish processing plants. This shift from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods will create jobs, raise incomes, and strengthen the economy.
President Mahama’s commitment to industrialisation is matched by the IOMP’s capacity to identify and direct investment where it can trigger local manufacturing hubs that serve both domestic and export markets.
Closing the Infrastructure Gap
No serious investor will commit to a location with poor infrastructure. The government’s National Infrastructure Development Programme “Big Push” works in tandem with the IOMP. As GIPC teams visit districts, they will document where roads, power, and internet services are lacking. This will guide ministries and development partners to channel resources into areas that need upgrades, making them viable destinations for investors.
Promoting Ghana Digitally
The IOMP also modernises investment promotion. GIPC is developing an online platform where investors can browse district profiles, maps, and investment prospects from anywhere in the world. This increased transparency will make Ghana more competitive in attracting capital.
According to Mr Madjie, past investor complaints about the lack of reliable, updated data will be addressed. The platform will be a live resource for decision-making, and it will also serve Ghana’s foreign missions and embassies in their investment promotion work.
Partnerships for Greater Impact
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. This alignment ensures that district-level opportunities support broader national economic strategies.
Planned regional roadshows will raise awareness, build skills, and connect local leaders directly with potential investors. These forums will allow communities to present their opportunities and secure partnerships on the spot.
Promoting Inclusive Growth
One of the IOMP’s strongest features is its inclusive reach. By covering all districts, it ensures that smaller towns and rural areas also benefit from economic expansion. This creates local jobs, strengthens supply chains, and reduces urban migration pressures on major cities like Accra.
The Volta Regional Minister and Dean of the Regional Ministers, James Gunu, has expressed strong support, stating that the Volta Region is ready to showcase its potential at the upcoming roadshows. He believes the project aligns perfectly with the Volta Economic Corridor strategy.
Leadership for Lasting Results
For the IOMP to achieve its goals, data must be accurate, updated, and converted into concrete investments. This demands continuous effort and strong partnerships between government and the private sector. With President Mahama’s backing and Simon Madjie’s capable leadership, the foundations are in place for success.
Mr Madjie’s career in law, trade policy, private sector development, and business networking gives him the skills to steer such an ambitious project. His proven track record at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ghana demonstrates his ability to connect Ghanaian enterprises with international partners.
The launch of the IOMP represents a new approach to development, one that uses solid data, modern technology, and active community involvement to spread investment and prosperity across all of Ghana. With national vision and dedicated leadership, Ghana is taking a decisive step toward a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive economy.
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