Sensitisation focuses on registration, technology transfer, investor grievances, compliance and Ghana's AfCFTA investment ambitions.
Accra, Ghana — September 10, 2026 — The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has engaged key stakeholders on the implementation of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1173), as Ghana moves to modernise its investment promotion and facilitation framework.
The sensitisation session, held in Accra, provided stakeholders with an overview of the new legislation and its implications for investors, businesses, government institutions and other participants in Ghana's investment ecosystem.
Speaking at the opening of the session, GIPA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Madjie, stressed the importance of continued collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the new law.
He highlighted the significance of Technology Transfer Agreements (TTAs) and the Investor Grievance Mechanism as important components of the new investment framework.
The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 replaces the former Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865) and formally transforms the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre into the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority. The legislation was assented to by President John Dramani Mahama on July 15, 2026.
Modernising Ghana's Investment Framework
Madam Naa Lamle Orleans-Lindsay, Director of Legal at GIPA, provided an overview of Act 1173 and the rationale behind the reforms.
The new framework seeks to create a more transparent, responsive and predictable investment environment while strengthening Ghana's ability to attract, facilitate and retain investment.
The Act also gives GIPA an expanded role in supporting Ghana's investment objectives within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. GIPA has been designated as the national focal point for the AfCFTA Investment Protocol, strengthening Ghana's position as a potential gateway for investment into the wider African market.
Focus on Registration and Technology Transfer
Stakeholders were also taken through the registration and renewal requirements under the new law by Mr Emmanuel Fosu Forson, Head of Investor Services and Exemptions, while Mr Emmanuel Osei, Head of the Technology Transfer Agreement Department, addressed GIPA's expanded mandate regarding technology transfer.
The emphasis on technology transfer is particularly significant as Ghana seeks to attract investment that goes beyond capital inflows to generate knowledge, skills, innovation and local economic value.
Under Act 1173, technology transfer agreements remain an important part of the investment regulatory framework, with the existing Technology Transfer Regulations, 1992 (L.I. 1547) preserved under the transitional provisions of the Act.
Investor Grievance Mechanism Strengthened
Another major feature of the new framework is the formal Investor Grievance Mechanism (IGM).
The mechanism is intended to provide a structured channel through which enterprises can submit grievances concerning their investments and seek appropriate intervention.
The Act provides for an Investor Grievance Mechanism within GIPA and establishes avenues for further redress where an enterprise is dissatisfied with a recommendation or decision.
For businesses, the mechanism could provide an important institutional avenue for resolving investment-related challenges and improving confidence in Ghana's investment environment.
New Investment Rules Broaden Access
Act 1173 has introduced significant changes to the capital requirements applicable to foreign investment.
Under the new framework, the general minimum capital requirements for joint ventures and wholly foreign-owned enterprises have been removed. However, foreign-owned trading enterprises remain subject to a minimum equity investment of US$500,000 in cash, together with a requirement that at least 75 per cent of skilled employees are Ghanaian.
The reform has been welcomed as an important step towards reducing barriers to investment, particularly for technology, professional services, consulting and other knowledge-driven businesses where value may be based more heavily on expertise, intellectual property and innovation than large initial capital investments.
Data, Compliance and Aftercare
The stakeholder engagement also addressed investor aftercare, regulatory compliance, foreign direct investment data collection and plans for a national investment database.
Contributions came from Ms Anita Ofori, Deputy Head of Aftercare and Investor Grievance; Dr George Asafo-Agyei, Director of Monitoring, Evaluation & Outreach; and Nana Kwame Fosu of the Research and International Cooperation Division.
The discussions underscore the growing importance of reliable investment data in shaping national economic policy, identifying investment opportunities and monitoring the contribution of foreign and domestic investment to Ghana's economy.
A New Phase for Ghana's Investment Ecosystem
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing stakeholders to seek clarification on the implementation of the new law.
The session reflects GIPA's broader effort to ensure that businesses, investors and public institutions understand their respective responsibilities under Act 1173.
For Ghanaian businesses, foreign investors and institutions supporting investment, the implementation of the new Act will be closely watched as the country seeks to strengthen investor confidence, improve the ease of doing business and position itself as a competitive investment destination within Africa.
Source: Ghana Investment Promotion Authority; 24HourBusiness.org editorial desk.
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