Bright Simons Warns Ghana to Straighten Its Story as Investor Confidence Wavers

IMANI Africa’s Vice President, Bright Simons, has cautioned that Ghana must “straighten its story” if its efforts to woo investors are to succeed.

Simons, in a recent analysis, argued that while government officials are touring the globe in search of capital, the international community remains unconvinced by the country’s investment narrative. He warned that without credibility and consistency, Ghana’s grand overtures to investors risk falling flat.

“Ghana really needs to straighten its story,” Simons said, stressing that investor appetite will hinge not only on new opportunities but also on confidence in governance and fair play.

Oil Industry in Decline
Ghana’s petroleum sector is one of the biggest concerns. Oil production, once projected as a major driver of growth, has slumped to just 25 percent of 2019 forecasts. According to Mr Simons, Ghana’s Energy Minister was recently spotted in Lombardy courting financiers for the offshore basin, while President Mahama prepares to meet investors in New York to pitch Ghana as “open for business” and secure at least $1 billion for his flagship 24-hour economy programme.

Mixed Signals
But even as government pitches bold initiatives abroad, troubling headlines dominate discussions at home. Reports of goldmine seizures involving politically connected individuals, alleged forgery and forced share transfers, and billion-dollar arbitration claims have raised questions about the sanctity of contracts and regulatory stability.

For investors, these stories paint a picture of uncertainty that undercuts the government’s growth-focused message. “This is dissonance,” Simons observed, noting that the gap between official rhetoric and market perception threatens to derail much-needed investment.

Credibility at the Core
Analysts agree that Ghana’s ability to attract capital will depend on whether leaders can align words with actions. Beyond high-profile roadshows and summits, consistent governance, transparent regulation, and respect for contracts are the signals investors want to see.

For Ghanaians, the implications are immediate. Fresh capital could revive oil output, boost energy security, and power the 24-hour economy to create jobs. But if investor confidence falters, these ambitions risk being left underfunded.

As Simons put it, Ghana’s story matters — and unless it is straightened, the country’s promises of transformation may ring hollow on the global stage.