Ghana and the Economic Progress Still to Come

There is significant foreign investment in Ghana, but not so much from US companies. Perhaps this is a missed opportunity.

Hisense, is a Chinese manufacturer that we saw advertised in many places, like on this outdoor jumbotron.

Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to take my first trip to the African continent. My institution sponsored a trip for faculty to attend an international education conference. During my trip, I rode in Ubers and busses to get to most places, so I was able to see quite a bit of the country. Frankly, driving in a foreign country is something I would rather not do, and driving in Ghana is no exception.

As a passenger, I had many opportunities to look out the window and see the sights. The people, the cars, the buildings, homes… everything. It was immediately clear to me that Ghana is still putting itself together. It gained its independence from Britain on March 6, 1957. During those 67 years, it has had its ups and downs, like any country learning to self-govern again after centuries of colonial rule.

A typical sidewalk in Accra.

One notable presence I saw while driving and walking the streets of Accra and the surrounding cities is the investments by Chinese companies. In large and small ways, Chinese investment is making its mark in Ghana. From large infrastructure projects like I saw on the way to the Cape Coast, to owning the hotel I stayed in during my time in Ghana. Chinese characters were on the hotel vans and hotel staff uniforms.

We drove by the Hisense (a Chinese electronics company) headquarters building, several times. They sponsored jumbotrons showing Euro 2024 football championships. You would see hundreds of cars, bikes, and pedestrians stopped to watch the games on them, and being reminded who brought these screens to Ghana.

Another group that I saw making its mark in Ghana, although not to the same extent, is the middle eastern community. One of the first restaurants I went to, Chocolate Sarayi is Turkish; here is their website. The food was great and we ate there several times.

We also shopped at the local ShopRite store. It’s a mix between a Target and a 99¢ Store, and it was owned by a Lebanese man who was helping manage the check-out area. I also remember a shwarma stand that was owned by another Lebanese man who also had a restaurant in a building nearby. All these stores were within two city blocks of one another.

There were so many little restaurants everywhere, but we didn’t see the big chains here. While that is refreshing for tourists like us, it also means that investment is lacking.

So, who was conspicuously missing everywhere? US companies. Why don’t Western companies see Ghana as a place to invest? During the education conference that I attended, I saw a handful of presentations by education organizations and companies wanting to work with the education sector in Ghana. I know that the desire to invest and engage is there, but I wonder why it was not more present on the buildings and billboards all over Ghana?

I will be returning to Ghana in the future in the hope that Western companies will see it as I do: a place full of hope, proven accomplishments, dedicated people, and a strong sense of identity and pride. It is my hope that it continues to receive the assistance from the global community as it works to create a future it wants for its people.