GIPC says it's now better positioned to attract, facilitate, promote and retain investment after becoming an authority

President John Dramani Mahama has assented to the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act, 2026 (Act 1173), officially transforming the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) into the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA).

The new law marks a major overhaul of Ghana's investment promotion framework, expanding the Authority's mandate while strengthening its institutional and regulatory powers to attract, facilitate, promote and retain both domestic and foreign investment.

According to GIPA, the enactment of Act 1173 represents a significant milestone in Ghana's investment landscape and constitutes the most comprehensive reform of the country's investment regime in more than a decade.

The legislation repeals and replaces the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, 2013 (Act 865) following extensive stakeholder consultations aimed at aligning Ghana's investment laws with international best practices.

The Authority says the reforms are expected to improve investor confidence while enhancing Ghana's competitiveness as one of Africa's preferred investment destinations.

Under the new law, the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority will have broader responsibilities beyond attracting foreign direct investment.

Its expanded mandate includes:

• Attracting and facilitating investment into Ghana.
• Promoting and retaining existing investments.
• Supporting the international expansion of Ghanaian businesses.
• Strengthening investor services.
• Coordinating investment promotion initiatives.

According to GIPA, the Authority is now better positioned to support Ghanaian enterprises seeking opportunities within regional and global markets while attracting high-quality investments into the country.

One of the key features of Act 1173 is its alignment with regional and international investment frameworks, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Under the legislation, GIPA becomes Ghana's designated national focal institution responsible for implementing the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment.

The Authority says this development strengthens Ghana's position as a gateway for businesses seeking access to Africa's expanding single market.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act introduces several reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business and strengthening investor protection.

Among the major changes are:

• Establishment of the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA).
• Modernisation of Ghana's investment promotion framework.
• Removal of blanket minimum capital requirements for wholly foreign-owned enterprises and joint ventures with Ghanaian partners.
• Retention of a reduced minimum capital threshold for trading enterprises.
• Introduction of a statutory Investor Grievance Mechanism.
• Promotion of sustainable investment, technology transfer and social inclusion.
• Mandatory annual renewal of registration for registered enterprises.
• Expansion of expatriate quota thresholds.
• Statutory mandate to promote outward investment by Ghanaian businesses.
• Establishment of a One-Stop-Shop for investors.
• Introduction of provisions relating to citizenship-by-investment.
• Alignment with the AfCFTA Protocol on Investment and other international best practices.

GIPA says the legislation significantly strengthens investor protection by introducing a formal Investor Grievance Mechanism, which is expected to provide a structured process for resolving disputes between investors and relevant authorities.

The Authority believes the reforms will improve regulatory certainty and reduce administrative bottlenecks for both domestic and international investors.

According to GIPA, the coming into force of Act 1173 demonstrates Ghana's continued commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent and competitive investment environment.

The Authority says the new legal framework offers:

• Greater regulatory certainty.
• Stronger investor protection.
• Improved administrative efficiency.
• Enhanced ease of doing business.
• Better alignment with global investment standards.

It also positions Ghana to attract increased foreign direct investment while supporting local enterprises seeking expansion beyond Ghana's borders.

Government expects the new investment framework to contribute to job creation, technology transfer, increased private sector participation and sustainable economic growth.

By strengthening the country's investment promotion architecture and aligning its legal framework with evolving global standards, the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority is expected to play a central role in driving Ghana's long-term economic transformation and improving its attractiveness to international investors.