BoG Governor champions deeper trade ties and digital growth at U.S. forum

By Eugene Davis

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has called for stronger trade integration and bold financing reforms to unlock Africa’s full export potential.

Speaking at the African Leaders and Partners Forum in the U.S., he emphasized the need to transition Africa from a raw material source to a prime destination for investment.

Delivering a keynote on “Africa & The U.S.: Shaping a Trade-Driven Future,” Dr. Asiama highlighted Ghana’s readiness for investment in:

Agro-Processing & Commercial Farming: Over 13.5 million hectares secured for cocoa, rice, cassava, cashew, and poultry value chains.

Energy, Oil & Gas: Gas equity deals and LNG infrastructure openings under Ghana’s Big Push Agenda.

Logistics & Infrastructure: $10 billion in PPPs targeting roads, ports, railways, and AfCFTA trade corridors.

Manufacturing & 24-Hour Economy: Expanding investment in night-shift logistics, auto assembly, and packaging hubs.

He called for the establishment of U.S.–Africa Trade Finance Hubs to de-risk deals, crowd in capital, and support SMEs and new exporters.

Dr. Asiama also urged investment in inclusive digital transformation, noting that Ghana’s eCedi pilot is part of a broader push toward digital public infrastructure that expands access and protects monetary sovereignty.

While commending the U.S. government’s $350 million Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, he stressed the importance of aligning it with national priorities—especially cybersecurity, digital identity, and cross-border payments.

He further encouraged U.S. support for Africa’s green and digital trade agenda, positioning it as a path to inclusive growth and a competitive, climate-smart economy.

“Africa’s integration under AfCFTA benefits not just the continent, but also our global partners. Now is the time to act—with infrastructure, finance, and innovation,” he concluded.