AfDB Deepens Strategic Partnership with Ghana as New Country Manager Presents Credentials

Ghana and the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group have reaffirmed their long-standing development partnership, as newly appointed Country Manager Halima Hashi formally presented her letters of accreditation to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa in Accra.

The ceremony highlighted more than five decades of collaboration between Ghana and the AfDB, with both sides signalling renewed commitment to accelerating economic transformation, infrastructure development, and regional integration.

A Partnership Spanning Over 50 Years

Minister Ablakwa described the relationship as one of enduring impact, expressing "great respect and deep appreciation" for the AfDB's role in supporting Ghana's development since 1973.

He pointed to the Bank's backing of several flagship government initiatives, including:

• The "Big Push" infrastructure programme aimed at accelerating large-scale national development

• The Feed Ghana agricultural initiative focused on food security and value chains

• Major transport investments such as the Eastern Corridor Road project

• Emerging sectors including artificial intelligence and irrigation systems

Ghana currently hosts an active AfDB portfolio valued at approximately $1.3 billion, reflecting sustained investment across critical sectors.

Aligning with Ghana's Economic Reset Agenda

In her remarks, Ms Hashi underscored Ghana's importance as a key partner in the Bank's regional strategy, pledging continued support for the country's economic recovery and growth agenda.

She highlighted that the AfDB's Country Strategy Paper is closely aligned with the government's "Resetting Ghana" framework, which prioritises:

• Job creation

• Inclusive economic growth

• Macroeconomic stability

• Structural transformation

"The Bank remains committed to supporting Ghana's development ambitions through targeted investments and strategic partnerships," Hashi said.

Investing Across Strategic Sectors

AfDB interventions in Ghana span a wide range of sectors critical to long-term development, including:

• Infrastructure development and connectivity

• Agriculture and value chain expansion

• Energy access and sustainability

• Water and sanitation services

• Private sector growth and industrialisation

According to Hashi, these investments have already contributed to improved productivity, enhanced service delivery, and stronger regional integration.

She also welcomed the government's "Big Push" initiative, noting its alignment with the Bank's goal of scaling up infrastructure investment to drive competitiveness and economic expansion.

Leveraging Africa's Financial Transformation Agenda

A key highlight of the engagement was the AfDB's newly launched New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD)—also known as the Abidjan Consensus.

Hashi described the initiative as a transformative framework aimed at:

• Mobilising domestic financial resources

• Strengthening African financial institutions

• Reducing reliance on external financing

• Channeling investment into infrastructure, industry, and trade

The framework is closely linked to broader continental efforts to enhance financial sovereignty and retain African capital for development purposes.

Minister Ablakwa also acknowledged the leadership of President John Mahama in advancing these goals, particularly in his role as the African Union Champion for African Financial Institutions.

Ghana's Strategic Position in Regional Integration

As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, Ghana occupies a pivotal position in Africa's economic integration agenda.

Hashi noted that this status provides a unique opportunity for the country to:

• Attract increased regional and international investment

• Strengthen trade linkages across Africa

• Accelerate industrialisation and value addition

By aligning national priorities with continental frameworks like AfCFTA and NAFAD, Ghana is well positioned to play a leading role in shaping Africa's economic future.

A Renewed Commitment to Growth and Development

The accreditation of the new Country Manager marks a new phase in Ghana-AfDB relations, with both parties emphasising deeper collaboration and expanded investment.

With a strong pipeline of projects, a shared vision for inclusive growth, and alignment with continental development strategies, the partnership is expected to continue driving progress across key sectors.

As Ghana navigates economic recovery and long-term transformation, the AfDB's continued support underscores the importance of multilateral partnerships in delivering sustainable development outcomes.