By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Takoradi
The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) has said the organisation is committed to transforming the Western Region into one of Ghana’s leading investment hubs.
“The region has the potential to become the agricultural hub of this country. We are working with the Minister of Trade, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) and other stakeholders to position this region as a prime destination for both local and international investments,” Mr. Simon Madjie, the Chief Executive Officer of GIPC, said.
He noted that the region, which makes up nearly 10 percent of Ghana’s landmass is strategically important due to its abundance of natural resources and the presence of over 17 agricultural districts.
“While the oil and gas industry has brought some investment to the region, we are now looking to drive growth in other critical sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. Our vision is to position the region as a commercial agricultural hub,” he reiterated.
Mr. Madjie made these comments when he presented a brand-new Mitsubishi pick-up vehicle to the GIPC Office in Takoradi as part of efforts under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP).
The move forms part of GIPC’s broader strategy to decentralise its operations and enhance its ability to attract and facilitate investments across all regions. The vehicle is expected to significantly improve mobility, operational efficiency and timely service delivery in the region.
He emphasised that changing workplace attitudes and improving service delivery are critical to creating a more attractive environment for investors.
“To truly attract long-term investment, we must adopt a more efficient and value-driven approach to work. It’s not just about incentives or resources; our mindset and work ethic matter. These small but important behavioural changes can make a big difference,” he asserted.
Mr. Madjie revealed that the centre has already attracted over US$100million in foreign investment and is targeting US$200million, particularly in the oil sector. He added that GIPC is also actively working to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that discourage investors.
“We want to be at the forefront of facilitating investments. Currently, investors can complete their GIPC registration within 24 hours. This is part of our commitment to a 24-hour economy and our broader goal of speeding up processes while maintaining accuracy and adherence to regulatory procedures,” he noted.
