Ghana wants investment, not aid from development partners – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama is advocating for a shift in Ghana's relationship with international development partners, prioritizing investment over aid. The Northshore Apparel industrial project serves as a prime example of the type of partnership his administration seeks. Speaking at the project's commissioning in Savelugu, Mahama emphasized that Ghana's international partnerships should focus on creating jobs, expanding exports, and generating sustainable economic returns.

This new approach aims to attract investment and not just financial aid. The project, according to Mahama, showcases how collaboration between government, private investors, and international financial institutions can support commercially viable initiatives. He praised the German government's and KfW's support for the project, describing it as a model for other sectors.

Mahama also acknowledged the private investors and Ghana EXIM Bank, established to finance businesses and projects that drive national development. His administration has redirected Ghana EXIM Bank's focus to "impactful financing" for job-creating, industrializing, and export-generating projects. Mahama linked this investment strategy to his government's agenda for a 24-hour economy, highlighting the North Shore factory's creation of over 2,000 jobs and its potential to boost exports.

He urged for more partnerships combining financing, technology, private-sector involvement, and government support to enhance Ghana's productive capacity.