Expert guidance crucial for Ghana’s investment growth – Deloitte Partner
A Partner in Strategy, Risk and Transactions at Deloitte Ghana, Yaw Appiah Lartey, has said that unlocking Ghana’s full investment potential goes beyond creating a conducive business climate, stressing that expert guidance is crucial for navigating complex transactions and developing investor-ready strategies.
Mr Lartey, who also serves as an Africa Infrastructure Partner at Deloitte, made the remarks at the third edition of the Deloitte–UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) Thought Leadership Series held in Accra.
The session focused on how businesses can leverage professional advisory services to become investment-ready and attract long-term capital.
He noted that while Ghana continues to position itself as one of West Africa’s most dynamic and business-friendly economies, many enterprises, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), struggle to translate opportunity into investment due to a lack of strategic, financial, and governance preparedness.
“Transaction advisory services covering finance, legal, governance, and ESG [Environmental, Social and Governance] are especially critical for SMEs seeking to bridge the investment readiness gap. Programmes like Deal Source Africa, supported by Impact Investing Ghana and British International Investment, are helping build advisory capacity and align local businesses with investor expectations,” Mr Lartey explained.
He indicated that Deloitte plays a key role in this ecosystem by supporting companies throughout the investment lifecycle, from strategy refinement and financial modelling to deal execution and post-merger integration (PMI).
“At Deloitte, we are proud to be part of this transformation. With deep expertise in strategy, risk, and transaction advisory, we help businesses position themselves for growth and sustainability in competitive markets,” Mr Lartey emphasised.
Ghana’s economy, he said, presents compelling opportunities for both local and foreign investors, buoyed by a growing middle class, an expanding entrepreneurial base, and abundant natural and human resources.
In 2024, Ghana attracted more than USD620 million in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), with 140 projects registered, mainly in the services and manufacturing sectors. In the first half of 2025, FDIs surged by 382 per cent, a signal of renewed investor confidence and improving macroeconomic stability.
However, Mr Lartey cautioned that sustaining this momentum requires targeted efforts to improve business investment readiness, enhance financial literacy, and streamline regulatory processes.
“Many Ghanaian SMEs face barriers such as limited access to finance, low awareness of investor expectations, and underutilisation of technology. Bridging these gaps is essential if Ghana is to achieve inclusive and sustainable investment growth,” he observed.
The Thought Leadership Series, themed “Investment Readiness 101,” brings together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and corporate advisors to share insights on strengthening Ghana’s investment ecosystem.
The first edition, held on 8 April 2025, explored the topic ‘Demystifying Investor Expectations: What You Need to Know Before Seeking Capital.’ The second, on 13 August 2025, examined ‘Enhancing the Investment Climate in Ghana: The Role of the Government.’
This third session, Mr Lartey noted, builds on those discussions by highlighting how professional transaction advisory can accelerate business growth, drive investor confidence, and unlock Ghana’s full investment potential in a rapidly changing global economy.
