Accra, Feb. 19,– President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s steadfast commitment to strengthening corporate governance as a foundation for effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking at the 35th Ordinary Session of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Forum in Addis Ababa, the President highlighted investments in digital public infrastructure, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), mobile money interoperability, and paperless port operations, as vital for enhancing trade efficiency.
The address accompanied presentation of Ghana’s 2023 Targeted Review Report on Corporate Governance, a process involving extensive stakeholder consultations across eight regions, led by APRM Panel Member Ambassador Aly El Hefny.
A statement issued by the National APRM Governing Council said the review underscored reforms under the Companies Act, 2019 (Act 992), the National Corporate Governance Code, and enhancements in financial, trade, and public sector oversight.
President Mahama noted strengthened roles for institutions such as the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), and State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA).
The Government remains dedicated to transparency and accountability, particularly in beneficial ownership disclosure, financial reporting, and independent auditing, the statement added.
It said the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and AfCFTA National Coordination Office would continue supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to leverage continental trade opportunities.
Through the AfCFTA Market Expansion Programme, over 2,000 MSMEs have received assistance in Rules of Origin compliance, trade financing, and export readiness, with 19 companies certified to AfCFTA standards.
Ghanaian firms are actively participating in the Guided Trade Initiative, demonstrating tangible AfCFTA benefits, according to the release.
The findings align with Ghana’s economic reset agenda, emphasising discipline, structural reforms, diversification, and private sector-led growth.
Additional measures include bolstering the Ghana Export-Import Bank, implementing the 24-Hour Economy strategy, and launching initiatives like the Women’s Development Bank and Adwumawura Programme to enhance finance access and job creation.
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), established by the African Union in 2003, promotes good governance, democracy, and sustainable development through voluntary peer reviews and national action programmes.
Ghana pioneered a full APRM review in 2006 and this targeted review marks its second major engagement, reinforcing continental leadership in governance accountability.
The President was accompanied by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah and Dr Callistus A. Mahama, Executive Secretary and Deputy to the President; Mrs Joyce Bawa Mogtari, Presidential Adviser; Mr Seth Emmanuel Terkper, Presidential Adviser on the Economy; Mr Joseph Obeng, APRM Governing Council Member; and Mrs Winniefred Akoto-Sampong, Executive Secretary of the National APRM Secretariat.
GHBUSS
19 Feb. 2026
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