President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted Ghana’s growing economic ties with Singapore, announcing that trade between the two countries reached $215 million in 2024, with strong prospects for further expansion.
Speaking at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum in Singapore on Tuesday, August 26, President Mahama said the development is proof that West Africa, and Ghana in particular, are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for Asian investors.
“Africa and Singapore must be champions of open markets, trusted rules, and practical partnerships that deliver jobs, technology transfer, and shared prosperity for our people,” Mahama told government leaders and business executives at the gathering.
He noted that trade between Africa and Singapore increased by 50 percent from 2020 to 2024, reaching nearly $14 billion, with West Africa accounting for more than half of that total. Ghana’s share, he said, reflected a country positioning itself as both reliable and competitive on the continent.
“Africa and Asia are the two youngest, fastest urbanising regions of the world, and the numbers tell a clear story,” he stated
“I speak today as an African leader and as President of Ghana, and our message is simple: Africa is investable, and Ghana is a reliable gateway to that continent,” Mahama declared.
The President painted a vivid picture of Ghana’s role on the African map, saying, “When I say it’s a gateway, it really is. If you look at the map of Africa, Ghana is like a little dog, you know, on that map.” His metaphor drew warm reactions from the audience, underscoring his attempt to portray Ghana as a small yet strategically significant player in continental trade.
Mahama’s pitch comes at a time when Singaporean businesses are increasingly looking to Africa for opportunities in infrastructure, agribusiness, digital solutions, and education. He expressed confidence that Ghana’s political stability, youthful population, and reform-driven economy position the country as a bridge for deepened Africa–Asia cooperation.
With travel and investment deals already in discussion on the sidelines of the forum, the President’s message was clear: Ghana intends to play a leading role in shaping a stronger trade corridor between Africa and Asia.
