Ghana, IFC deepen partnership on agriculture, infrastructure, and education

President John Dramani Mahama met with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Managing Director Makhtar Diop to strengthen Ghana's partnership with the global development finance institution. The discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in sectors like commercial agriculture, industrialization, infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, and education.

Commercial agriculture, especially cocoa, oil palm, and poultry production, was a key focus. President Mahama pledged the government's commitment to industrialization and local value addition by processing at least half of Ghana's cocoa, farm produce, and mineral resources domestically. This policy aims to generate sustainable employment, particularly for the youth, and retain more value within the Ghanaian economy.

The President and IFC Managing Director also explored investment opportunities under the government's Big Push program, targeting infrastructure development in railways, aviation, road networks, energy, digital connectivity, and education. Mahama indicated Ghana's recent progress in economic management, citing reduced inflation, lower national debt, and increased investor confidence as positive indicators.

Education was another area of focus. Ghana, in collaboration with the World Bank, secured a US$300 million financing package to permanently end the double-track system in Senior High Schools by the end of 2027. This funding will bolster educational infrastructure and improve access to quality secondary education. The meeting reflects Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with international financial institutions to mobilize investments for national development priorities.