Β The Minister of Roads and HighΒways, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, has called on TurkΒish investors to prioritise Ghana as their top most investment destination.
Speaking at the 11th World Cooperation Industries (WCI) Forum on the theme, βInvest in Africa, Invest in the Future,β held in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, he highlighted Ghanaβs immense potential for growth and strategic partnerships, with a particular focus on Ghanaβs thriving infraΒstructure sector.
Asenso-Boakye emphasised the critical role of infrastructure, esΒpecially roads and highways, as the foundation for economic developΒment and specifically spotlighted the 957km Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Project, which spans five West African countriesβCΓ΄te dβIvoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
He said with over 50 per cent of the highway passing through Ghana, the project offers vast opportunities for investments in manufacturing, tourism, technoloΒgy and logistics.
βThe Abidjan-Lagos Highway is not just a road, but a catalyst for economic growth across the Economic Communities of West ECOWAS region. I therefore strongly urge Turkish investors to seize the opportunity to particiΒpate in this transformative project, which promises significant returns and enhances regional integration,β the Minister added.
Mr Asenso-Boakye also lauded Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) which he explained as major key avenues for investment and cited Ghanaβs role in pioneering PPP in the expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway as an example of the countryβs commitment to infraΒstructure modernisation.
Moreover, the Minister encourΒaged investors to explore smart road technologies and green infraΒstructure, underscoring Ghanaβs focus on sustainable development.
During the visit, Mr AsenΒso-Boakye also participated in the International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress 2024 in Istanbul, where he addressed a High-Level Ministerial Meeting on behalf of the government and people of Ghana.
This yearβs congress, themed; βConnecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future,β facilitated productive disΒcussions on overcoming challenges and exploring innovative solutions in the roads and transportation sectors.
Addressing the congress, Mr Asenso-Boakye underscored GhaΒnaβs significant progress in road infrastructure development, which has improved connectivity, reduced travel times, and enhanced access to essential services.
These advancements, he noted, have been pivotal in reducing poverty, raising incomes, and expanding access to healthcare and education.
On the sidelines of the IRF World Congress and the WCI FoΒrum, Mr Asenso-Boakye also held bilateral discussions with Turkeyβs Minister for Transport and InfraΒstructure, Abdul-kadir UraloΔlu, and Minister for Trade, Γmer BoΒlat with main focus on promoting trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the construction sector, and positioning Ghana as the gateway to Africa.
Β FROM TIMES REPORTER
