Ghana’s President, President John Dramani Mahama has recently arrived in Singapore for a three-day State Visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, expanding trade and investment, and advancing partnerships in education, science and innovation, urban solutions, agribusiness, and the digital economy.
During the visit, President Mahama is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and the Prime Minister, The Hon. Lawrence Wong. He will also deliver the keynote address at the 8th Africa–Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) and headline a Ghana country-specific Investment and Business Forum, convening public- and private-sector leaders to unlock new opportunities between Ghana and Singapore.
Speaking on arrival, President Mahama said: “Ghana and Singapore share a forward-looking outlook anchored in innovation, skills, and enterprise. This visit will translate our shared values into practical cooperation—bringing Singaporean investment and know-how into Ghana’s priority sectors while opening new pathways for Ghanaian businesses across Southeast Asia.”
President John Mahama is being accompanied by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs; Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Advisor and Special Aide to the President; Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare (MP), Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP), Minister for Education.
Also part of the delegation are Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State for Government Communications; Mr. Simon Madjie, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre; and Mr. Francis Kwarteng Arthur, Chief Executive of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority.
On the second day of his three-day state visit to Singapore, President John Dramani Mahama emphasizes the importance of closer financial and technological cooperation, noting that Ghana is positioning itself as a continental gateway under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) while working to restore macroeconomic stability.
“Ghana provides a good gateway and push for Africa into the world,” Mahama said during bilateral talks with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, pointing to AfCFTA, a youthful population and an untapped market in West Africa and Africa. He noted that inflation “is down to about 13%” and the government is “targeting a single digit by the end of the year,” alongside “prioritizing expenditure” and “ensuring fiscal discipline.”
A central theme of the bilateral talks was the interoperability of payments to unlock trade across African borders. “It is not enough to sign protocols on free movement of people and goods… we must be able to pay for the goods across borders,” Mahama said.
He added that Ghana is backing continent-wide solutions, “including the start of the PAPSS,” the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System, and wants to draw on Singapore’s expertise.
“Singapore has a comparative advantage over Africa when it comes to payment systems, and we are looking to learn from you,” he said.
President Tharman praised Ghana’s reform efforts.
“Ghana must succeed for West Africa and Africa to succeed, and I see that you… are dealing with the country’s issues, including the debt challenge, admiringly,” he said, calling Mahama’s address at the Africa Singapore Business Forum “a strong reflection of the bilateral relations between our two countries.”
Both leaders also flagged Fintech, cross-border payments and SME development as near-term priorities.
“Other areas of interest are Fintech and payment systems, cross-border payments, development of SMEs… and we are ready and glad to pursue them together,” Tharman said.
Mahama congratulated Singapore on the city-state’s 60th anniversary of independence and noted that Ghana will mark its 70th anniversary in 2027, framing the partnership as one that can accelerate Africa–Asia commerce through practical financial connectivity as well as trade protocols.
Additional Source: The Presidency, Republic of Ghana
