Ghana at the Heart of Africa’s Development Journey

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting Accra, Ghana, where we engaged in a series of high-level meetings with ministries, agencies, development finance institutions, and state corporations. Alongside Akshya Singhal and Mohammad Saif and our West Africa partners Michael Sackey , Dr. Pamela Des Bordes , Ahmed Dangana , Alice Osei Okrah, GCMA, CVA, MBA , and Martin Nii Osa Bortey , and with strong support from Anthony Oputa , Ashish Bakhshi and Emmanuel Adekahlor FCCA, MBA , we reflected on Ghana’s ambition to accelerate its economic transformation through sustainable energy, institutional reform, and inclusive development over the course of several days.

These engaging discussions spanning a diverse range of topics across multiple sectors revealed several important priorities for institutions and administrators in the country:

• At the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry our discussions centered on how Ghana can strengthen its manufacturing and trade competitiveness, scale agribusiness value chains, and position itself as a key player in regional trade integration.

• We explored priority initiatives of the Government, including Start Up Eco Systems, Mini Solar Grids and Poverty Reduction at the Ministry of Special Initiatives.

• At the Ministry of Finance (24-Hour Economy Initiative), we examined how extending productivity across sectors and skilling the workforce can support Ghana’s bold “24-Hour Economy” vision, creating new jobs, deepening youth employment opportunities, and boosting investor confidence.

• We discussed monetary and financial sector integration with West African Monetary Institute (WAMI) along with many other important topics, such as trade analytics, cross-border payment systems, and regional economic resilience under ECOWAS. We also explored the critical role of institutional capacity and harmonization.

• At Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), we discussed how Ghana can leverage its Mineral Resources by attracting the right investors for its large reserves adding value locally while supporting industrialization and job creation.

• At Bui Power Authority, Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Co. and Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), We had conversations on Ghana’s energy transition, grid modernization, and ensuring reliable electricity supply as the backbone of industrial and social progress.

In parallel, I also had the opportunity to participate in the International Solar Alliance’s 7th Regional Committee Meeting for Africa and CEO Caucus. While solar energy remains a critical lever for Africa’s future, the broader takeaway from Ghana was that its development vision extends far beyond the energy sector. The country is working to integrate reforms in finance, governance, trade, and skills alongside its energy agenda—creating a holistic platform for long-term transformation.

What stood out across all these engagements is Ghana’s multi-dimensional development focus:

• A strong commitment to industrialization and agribusiness, ensuring that local resources translate into jobs and competitiveness.

• A bold push for institutional reforms and digital modernization, so government can deliver efficient, citizen-centric services.

• A youth-driven agenda anchored in skills and employment, recognizing that Ghana’s demographic dividend must be nurtured into a workforce for the future.

• A deep alignment between government ministries, development finance institutions, and the private sector, showing that collaboration is at the heart of Ghana’s model for growth.

These interactions underscored that Ghana is not only charting its own national path but is also shaping the broader story of African integration and resilience.

I thank our hosts in Ghana for their warm welcome and to all the ministries and institutions who engaged with us during this visit. Having recently engaged in Ethiopia and Tanzania, I can see a unifying message across Africa. The future depends on sustainable energy, strong governance, and inclusive development models. EY is proud to participate in this journey, working with governments, development partners, and entrepreneurs to co-create solutions that unlock prosperity and resilience.

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