Capitalise on opportunities in Ghana - Asenso-Boakye urges Turkish investors

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on Turkish investors to prioritise Ghana as their top investment destination in Africa. 

Speaking at the 11th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum on the theme: “Invest in Africa, Invest in the Future,” in Türkiye, he highlighted Ghana’s immense potential for growth and strategic partnerships, with a particular focus on its thriving infrastructural sector.

Mr Asenso-Boakye emphasised the critical role of infrastructure, especially roads and highways, as the foundation for economic development.

He specifically spotlighted the 957km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Project, which spans five West African countries— Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. 

With more than 50 per cent of the highway passing through Ghana, he said, the project offered vast opportunities for investments in manufacturing, tourism, technology and logistics.

“The Abidjan-Lagos Highway is more than just a road— it’s a catalyst for economic growth across the ECOWAS region. I, therefore, strongly urge Turkish investors to seize the opportunity to participate in this transformative project, which promises significant returns and enhances regional integration,” Mr Asenso-Boakye stated.

PPP

He also championed Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a key avenue for investment, citing Ghana’s pioneering PPP in the expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway as an example of the country’s commitment to infrastructure modernisation.

Mr Asenso-Boakye encouraged investors to explore smart road technologies and green infrastructure, underscoring Ghana’s focus on sustainable development.

Congress

During his visit, Mr Asenso-Boakye also participated in the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress 2024 in Istanbul, where he addressed a High-Level Ministerial Meeting on behalf of the government and people of Ghana.

This year’s congress, on the theme: "Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future," facilitated productive discussions on overcoming challenges and exploring innovative solutions in the roads and transportation sectors.

In his address, Mr Asenso-Boakye underscored Ghana’s significant progress in road infrastructure development, which has improved connectivity, reduced travel times and enhanced access to essential services. These advancements, he noted, had been pivotal in reducing poverty, raising incomes and expanding access to health care and education.

On the sidelines of the IRF World Congress and the WCI Forum, the Roads and Highways Minister held bilateral discussions with Türkiye's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat.

Their talks focused on promoting trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the construction sector, and positioning Ghana as the gateway to Africa.