English  | 日本語 - -   CURRENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Did you know that Africa currently has markets which are safe and inexpensive to trade in? Did you also know that Ghana is a top selling market now serving as the Gateway to other parts of West Africa? The relocation of the regional headquarters of Barclays and Standard Chartered Banks to Accra, Ghana, demonstrates the confidence of the international financial system in the Ghana market. Apart from providing political leadership in the West African sub-region, BUSINESS in Ghana is upbeat. Ghana's natural endowment is phenomenal, providing basic raw materials for industry. At present, Ghana provides one of the best investment environments, with long tax holidays, duty free entitlements, immigrants quota, low capital requirement and free transferability of profits, dividends and related income. Investors are invited to explore the possibility of investing in some of the agricultural and other business activities which follow. Medicinal Plants Information available indicates that there is high demand for medicinal plants from Ghana. Scientific information available indicates most parts of Ghana are suitable for the cultivation of various medicinal plants. Particularly, cola nitida locally known as "Bese", Alchornea Cordifolia (Ogyama), Griffonia Simplicifolia (Kagya), are high in demand by both international and local pharmaceutical firms. Establishment of Pharmaceutical Firm and Herbal based-medicine are available for investment. Processing Of Plantain/Yams/Raw Cassava Into Industrial And Pharmaceutical Starch Current annual production of cassava is about over 6 million metric tonnes. Production could easily be increased to over 10 million metric tonnes provided producers can find a market since as much as 10% of current production gets rotten for lack of market. About 85% of production is eaten as food with the remaining being processed into dry chips for export and 'gari' for local consumption. Cassava grows well in 8 of the 10 regions of Ghana. Local consumption of industrial and pharmaceutical starch currently stands at about 7,500 metric tonnes per annum with a projected increase to over 15,000 metric tonnes by 2005. Industrial starch has many applications. It is used in the preparation of various foods and confectionery products such as custard, sauces, soup, ice cream, bread, cakes, biscuits etc. It is also used in the textile, soap and detergent industries and for the manufacture of dry cell batteries. In the pharmaceutical industry, starch is used for the manufacture of glucose and tableting of drugs. It is also used for the manufacture of incense mosquito coils. Dry starch represents only 14% of the value of fresh cassava. Ghana's annual consumption of 6,500 metric tonnes of dry starch is far lower than the 10% (about 600,000 metric tonnes) post-harvest losses experienced yearly. Besides the domestic market, there is a potential market for starch in West and Central Africa as well as North America, Europe and Asia. The processing of cassava into starch to replace imports is a feasible investment proposition with an attractive financial rate of return. Fruits Orange, lemon, lime, grape, ginger, mangoes, banana, avocados, guava and pineapples are cultivated on a large scale. Current production of citrus and pineapple is estimated at over 20,000 and over 60,000 metric tonnes annually. Production is concentrated in the Eastern, Central, Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana. About 15,000 metric tonnes of pineapples are exported annually whilst a further over 10,000 metric tonnes are processed into juice locally. The remainder, about 35,000 metric tonnes is marketed locally in the form of fresh fruits. Citrus presently is not exported. About 90% of annual production is consumed fresh whilst 10% is processed into juice and concentrate for the local market. Opportunities await investors who may wish to process pineapples and citrus into fruit juice, jam, marmalade and cookies. Sugar Cane There are many investment opportunities in the establishment of sugar cane processing into brown sugar and alcohol. Rice Rice milling is another area which investors are being sought. Palm Oil Extraction Enterprises could be set up to process the fruits into palm oil and palm kernel oil which are in large demand in Ghana. Apart from cooking, palm oil is also used for manufacture of products such as soap, margarine and baker's fat. Tomatoes And Pepper Current total production of tomatoes is over 200,000 metric tonnes and pepper over 180,000 metric tonnes. When the 2 items are in season, production exceeds demand and a lot is wasted because of lack of preservation and processing facilities. About 90% of tomatoes grown in Ghana are the type that can be processed into puree, past, juice and ketchup. Investors are welcomed to explore opportunities. Pepper, peas, beans, garden eggs, okra and aubergines also present opportunities for canning. Interested investors are welcome. Maize - Composite Flour And Grits Maize production has increased tremendously over the years, sometimes excess of over 1 million metric tonnes a year when the harvest is good. During good seasons, supply exceeds demand with the result that large amounts go bad due to lack of processing facilities. Climatic and soil characteristics of Ghana provide favourable conditions for maize production which could be increased dramatically provided producers are assured of ready markets. Ghana imports its wheat requirements for processing into wheat flour. Research studies by Ghana's Food Research Institute have established that maximum inclusion of 20% of maize flour in composite flour results in an acceptable product with characteristics similar to whole-wheat flour. Ghana's brewery industry is also dependent upon imported malt for the production of beer and malt tonic drinks. There is potential for substitution of maize grits for malt in the brewery industry. Production of maize grits will be targeted at breweries as substitute for imported malt for beer and malt drink production. Interested investors are welcome. Maize, Groundnut And Cowpeas Maize, Groundnut and Cowpeas are produced on commercial scale and could be processed into weanimix as an import substitute for baby food as well as cereal food products for adults. Interested investors are welcome. Fisheries - Marine Fish landings in Ghana over the past 10 years have averaged about 300,000 metric tonnes per year, of which marine fishery accounts for about 90% of the total catch. Between 70% and 80% of marine fishery is harvested by artisanal (traditional) fishermen using outboard motors, canoes and nets. Artisanal fishermen manning about over 8,000 canoes are responsible for landing over approximately 250,000 tonnes of fish annually. Experts from Enviro-Marine a UK based company have hinted that any investment in processing of 30% of artisanal catch could be marketed as top quality fresh demersal species and sold at current prices in European and other markets for a hefty receipt of about over US$500 million. Tuna, Herrings, Cod, Marlin (Swordfish) and Salmon abound offshore, to be harvested year round for potentially strong fish processing industry either for export or local consumption. Poultry Feed Concentrates (Fish mill) are other areas for investment. Fresh Water Fish - Aquaculture The origin of Tilapia is traced to Africa. Currently Tilapia can be grown under artificial conditions, but Africa still offers the best, inexpensive and natural environment. World production is about over 600,000 metric tonnes per year, with Asia producing about 500,000 metric tonnes. In 1997, for instance world imports of Tilapia exceeded US$34 million. Ghana has one of the largest man-made lakes in the world - the Volta Lake - which provides ideal conditions for Tilapia production. Any investment in aquaculture will be a top winner. Giant Fresh Water Prawns Fresh water prawns belong to the lower - case genera, Leander, Macrobrachium and Palaemon. Macrobrachium has been identified as indigenous to Ghana. According to Enviro-Marine Aquaculture experts, Macrobrachium are easier to produce than Penaied shrimps. Ghana's coastal and lagoon areas offer tremendous opportunities for prawn farming. Gold/Industrial Diamond Most of Ghana, including the Ashanti Region, lies within the Pre-Cambrian Guinean shield of West Africa, Birimian, Tarkwaian and Dahomeyan systems, the Togo series and the Buem Formation. Ghana boasts of over 22 million ounces of gold reserves. The mining and quarrying sector's contribution to the country is set to increase further with several mines expected to be developed and with the increase in the number of prospecting licences. Interest of both foreign and Ghanaian investors continue to grow in the exploration and development of kaolin and quarry deposits, there are also great opportunities for financial and technical support for small-scale mining activities. Partners are needed to develop exploration and exploitation operations. Bauxite Bauxite ores are estimated at over 600 million metric tonnes. Ashanti region has the largest reserves at Nyinahim estimated at over 350 million metric tonnes with a high content of alumini and silica. In the Eastern Region, on the Atewa range, ore reserves are estimated to be over 201 million metric tonnes. Ores remain unexploited and there are opportunities for both bauxite production and establishment of alumina plant to process ores. Limestone Nauli in the Western Region has large deposits of limestone estimated at over 400 million tonnes which could be used for the production of cement clinker to substitute all imports of clinker, required by Ghana's two cement mills at Takoradi and Tema. The Nauli deposits could yield over 1.4 million tonnes clinker per year, by means of the dry process using 12mm scfd of natural gas. The average CaO content of the deposit is 51.8%. Buipe in the Northern Region has limestone and mudstone with estimated reserves of over 6.03 million metric tonnes. It also has limestone and dolomite estimated at over 44 million metric tonnes. Limestone also occurs at Bango-Da (over 15 million metric tonnes of limestone and over 30 million metric tonnes of dolomite) and Daboya over 162,000 metric tonnes of limestone and over 500,000 metric tonnes of dolomite. Iron Ore Fifteen hills extending over a distance of 24km from the Oppon Valley at Oppon-Manso in the Western Region contain huge reserves of high-grade iron ore estimated at over 150 million tonnes. The deposits are suitable for commercial development. Interested investors are welcome. Manganese The Yakau-Himakrom deposits in the Western Region have reserves estimated at over 4.9 million tonnes of unwashed ore which could yield over 3.2 million tonnes of washed ore. The ore has average manganese content of over 42%. The Aketechi Deposits are located south of Aketechi and west of river Butre in the Western Region. It has low percentage of manganese oxide and contains manganiforous garments. Estimated reserves at over 820,000 tonnes of unwashed ore with a manganese content of over 32%. Interested investors are welcome. Odumase near Konongo: Odumase has manganese deposits estimated at over 1.7 million metric tonnes. The deposits have manganese content of 19.7%. Kaolin (China-Clay) Kibi in the Eastern Region and Abandze-Saltpond in the Central Region have large deposits of Kaolin. The deposits could be used industrially for the manufacture of tiles and household utensils. They could also be used as a basic raw material for the paper industry, insulators, powder and as filter in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products. Interested investors are welcome. Clay Clay deposits in economic reserves occur in all regions. Some of the deposits, particularly those occurring at Apinamang in the Eastern Region have been proved to be suitable for paint manufacture. The other deposits are good for brick production, ceramics, roofing tiles etc. Interested investors are welcome. Energy About 99% of the total electric power is generated from hydroelectric sources at two stations - Akosombo and Kpong. The Akosombo plant has 6 turbines with a total installed capacity of over 912 megawatts. Kpong's capacity is over 160 megawatts. Tema has a thermal plant with capacity of over 30 megawatts. A 300-megawatt thermal plant near Takoradi is almost completed. As a result of increased industrial activity, current demand for power far outstrips supply. Opportunities in the energy market include: - Gas transmission network in Ghana - possibility for investors to participate as equity partners in the establishment of a National Transmission Company. Investors could sell "excess" power on long term negotiated contract to the Ashanti Goldfields Company or into the National Grid at "avoided cost". Own and operate "open access" pipeline linking Tema to Takoradi on the site of Nyinahim Bauxite Deposit (note: alumina plant requires 28-56 mmscfd-ggs). For further enquiries, contact: Ministry of Mines and Energy P.O. Box 40 Accra, Ghana Tel: 233-21-667090 Fax: 233-21-668262 Tourism Private investment is very much needed to boost tourism development, especially in improving tourist facilities and services. The main investment area has been in the accommodation category. Investments are lucrative in various areas of accommodation establishments such as: Beach Lake And River Resorts Lodges And Camps In National Parks And Reserves Hill And Mountains Resorts Hotels Within Forts And Castles Camping Facilities Village Tourism Accommodation Urban Accommodation Recreational And Sport Facilities Water Sports Entertainment Facilities Tour And Travel Services Private tourism investment is most welcome in the above-mentioned areas not only in Accra but especially in the other 9 regions of Ghana. Each of the regions has a variety of attraction features, for example a national park or game reserve, historic monuments, or beautiful beaches or other scenic features. And it is a challenge to the potential investor to make the best of it. Machine Shops Apart from moldings, Tongue & Groove (T & G ) profiles and similar builders woodwork, the production of wooden joinery has hardly developed in Ghana. Production of door framing, doors, windows and similar builders woodwork is nearly all carried out by small-scalers who produce everything by a combination of rough sawing and machining, power operated tools and in many cases hand tools. Most of these products are crudely made, poorly finished and in many cases, not made to recognized standards of construction. A potential here lies in creating and establishing central machine shops that provide adequate and improved methods of machine according to precision capable of producing different designs and meeting quality specifications. It may be noted that machines like: Planting Machine Mortise Machine Sanding Machine Saw Bench Machine Cross Cut Machine Band Saw Machine Spindle Machine Surfacer Machine Turner Machine are outside the range that furniture producers can acquire on their own. The machine shop will provide an opportunity that will enable other manufacturers to develop high quality production and finishing for their products without investing huge capital outlay for the machines. Interested investors are welcome. Timber Ghana has over 680 tree species of which over 420 grow to timber sizes. Ghana sells its wood worldwide. Ghana Species include the following: Afina (Strombosia Glaucescens, S. Glaucescens Var. Lucida, S.Pustulata) - a hard, strong timber suited to heavy duty and exterior uses Ananta (Cynometra Ananta) - a high strength, high durability tough exterior use timber Aprokuma (Antrocaryon Micraster, A. Klaineanum, A. Nannanii) - a strong general-purpose timber for interior use Asoma (Parkia Bicolor) - A lighter weight, general utility wood for interior purposes Avodire (Turreanthus Africanus) - an attractive pale silky timber for good quality furniture and attractive interior joinery Bombax (Bombax Spp, B. Brevicuspe, B. Buonopozense, Rhodognaphalon Buonopozense) - a light coloured, lightweight timber suited for a range of interior uses Celtis (Celtis Mildbraedii, C. Zenkeri, C. Soyauxii) - a strong, light coloured structural timber Danta (Nesogordonia Papaverifera, Cistanthera Papaverifera) - a good looking, hard wearing medium density redwood Denya (Cylicodiscus Gabunensis) - a timber of great strength and toughness combined with high durability Duabankye (Dialium Aubrevillei, Dialium Spp) - a strong durable species for exterior uses Essia (Petersianthus Macrocarpus, Petersia Africana, Combretodendron Africanum, C. Macrocarpum) - A heavy utility timber of good strength and durability Gmelina (Gmelina Arborea) - a fast growing species of light colour and with a range of interior uses Ofram (Terminalia Superba) - a general-purpose species for interior use Okoro (Albizia Zygia) - a general-purpose medium weight timber for a variety of uses Sinduro (Alstonia Boonei) - a light soft timber for non-structural interior use Wawabima (Sterculia Rhinopetala) - a dark red, close grained, versatile species of good strength The Ghana Government is committed to achieving the highest standards of responsible forest management in accordance with Objective Year 2000 of the International Tropical Timber Organisations. It observes the Forest Principles and the relevant chapters on forests in Agenda 21 of UNCED 1992. Ghana is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora. Ghana has legally designated Forest Reserves managed by its Forestry Department on forty-year selective felling cycles and incorporating social and environment safeguards. Ghana continues to develop plantations of trees for protective and productive use. Markets for Ghanaian timber species include the following Countries: Belgium/Luxembourg, Burkina Faso, Canary Islands, Cote d' Ivoire, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States of America. Interested investors are welcome. Briquette And Chipboard From Wood Waste Waste material in the form of saw dust and timber off-cuts are generated daily within Ghana's timber industry. The waste materials have little use and form heaps at various saw and plymills throughout the country. About 45,000 metric tonnes of waste is generated annually. Investors could use the waste to produce briquette as a substitute for charcoal as well as chipboards. Human Wastes (Sewage) / Animal Wastes Large amount of methane gas can be generated from the huge sewage produced by the populace. Small and medium scale biogas plants could be established to convert the methane to useful energy. Opportunities exist to set-up fertilizer plants to convert these animal waste and human waste into soil conditioners. Automobile Wastes Large amount of vehicle body scraps and engine parts and engine blocks are left unutilized. Although a foundry has been established in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, there is good opportunity to establish metal fabrication industries to convert these scraps into useful products for domestic consumption and for export. At present, there are problems with the disposal of waste oils from garages and the mining areas. Waste oil recycling plants could be established in the country. Disposal of worn-out tyres from heavy industrial machines used in the mines currently is a major problem. An industry, which can convert these huge worn-out tyres from mine machinery into useful products, will be most beneficial to the environment. Plastic Wastes Large amounts of plastic waste are generated from both domestic and industrial sources. Currently their disposal is done in an environmentally unfriendly manner. Small and medium scale plants could be established to recycle these plastic wastes. Export Craft Production Centre As has been observed, Ghana has the largest collection of craft villages, producing among them the following exportable craft items very popular with foreign tourists: Kente Cloth Adinkra Cloth Rattan And Cane Basketry Pottery Items Beads Batik Tie-And-Dye Carvings Designer Cloths Investment in this area would aim at harnessing producers for increased production of quality controlled crafts for the already identified large export market. There is a thriving industry which makes good use of the abundant cane, rattan and bamboo which are grown in Ghana. Cane, rattan and bamboo products such as cane chairs, bamboo chairs and other handicrafts which are produced mostly for the domestic market. There is need for investors to set up enterprises to produce high quality cane and bamboo products for export. Enterprises engaged in wood carving may also be set up in Ghana. Kiln Drying Without doubt, Kiln Drying provides greater control over the Production Process. It is quicker and saves capital for work progress. The potential here lies in the fact that out of more than 300 establishments in the wood processing and furniture industry excluding the carpentry and artisanary sector, it is reckoned that only 34 enterprises in 1996 have kiln drying installations. The implication here is that there is quite tremendous capacity for both large kiln drying equipment for the processed wood industry and also smaller affordable kiln drying facilities for the medium size and small scale furniture manufacturers. Kiln drying facilities could be installed at the Wood Village to serve the small/medium industries on commercial basis. Appropriate Kiln drying facilities could be assembled in the various wood villages in Ghana for the wood industry. Interested investors are welcome. Wood Products There is a large number of furniture and joinery enterprises being operated by mainly small scale self employed individuals with apprentices in the regions of Ghana. However, most of the products are for the local market since they have problems in meeting the standard for the foreign markets. In terms of employment the timber and wood working industry is one of the most prominent industrial activity in the country. In Kumasi alone there are about over 40 registered small and medium scale timber logging and saw mill firms. In addition to this there are several individual loggers who sell their logs to saw mills for processing. Enterprises could therefore be set up to manufacture high quality furniture, teaching aids and other wood products for export. Also processing of Bamboo into Charcoal. Furniture Marketing One of the biggest constraints to increased improvements in the timber industry is the lack of specialization and division of labour. Including some of the big firms, the wood enterprises will normally acquire the raw materials, process, finish the product and market these products themselves. It is a weakness in the furniture industry but at the same time, represents an investable potential that can be taken advantage of. Furniture marketing here represents the creation and establishment of specialised units of companies that rely solely on aggregating production from the different manufacturing units assembling these products and developing distribution networks that will ensure that the products are sold on a regular basis. There is yet no such specialised marketing company in the country. It should be possible for a company to only establishing show rooms and package-marketing services through which the skilled furniture manufactures can sell their products. Such specialised furniture marketing companies could build up a consistent profile and network to penetrate the neighbouring Sahelian and West African countries. The opportunity here is that whilst the furniture producers are able to concentrate on the production side of furniture manufacturing, the marketing companies will emphasize sale of the furniture products in a reliable, systematic way in Ghana and abroad. Production Of Knocked-Down Furniture And Furniture Parts The Investment Potential in furniture marketing is closely related to the potential that lie with the production of knock-down furniture and furniture parts. Currently, it can be said that 80% of furniture products are produced in bulk and this is costly in terms of transportation of finished products. It does not also lend itself to mass production. It also undermines the potential for export orders. The production of knocked down furniture on the other hand presents an opportunity which will enable mass production of household utility items like TV stands, beds, tables, room dividers, knock-down cabinets, resting chairs, wine racks, shoe racks, etc. Undoubtedly, this diversifies the range of products available of household and this holds great potential for increasing usage of LUS that can be employed for these purposes. Knock-down furniture production technology is currently being employed by not more than 10 furniture industries in the country and has a great potential that needs to be explored in Ghana against the background of abundant primary and secondary sources. Interested investors are welcome. Packaging Small Scale Entrepreneurs have problems in accessing the appropriate markets, producing for a target market, packaging of products among others. Enterprises could be set up to go into production of packaging materials for packaging of products of both the small and large enterprises in Ghana. Soap Production The husk of cocoa, beans and plantain could be used to produce caustic soda for local soap production for both domestic and foreign markets. Leather Industry The leather industry in Ghana is developing very fast. Products such as shoes, sandals, bags, purse, belts, hats etc. are produced by small scale entrepreneurs in Ghana. The problem with the products is that they do not meet export requirements due to poor finishing. Enterprises could be set up to improve upon the traditional leather tanning processes as well as manufacture of leather products such as shoes, sandals, belts, bags, hats etc. for both the domestic and foreign markets. Brass Products There are several enterprises engaged in the fabrication of vehicle bodies, metal bodies, gari processing equipment, corn mills, water tanks and other container lathes and wood working machines. There is a need for enterprises to be set up to produce quality brass products in large quantities. Existing enterprises engaged in the manufacturing of brass products still use the traditional technology which is rudimentary. Interested investors are welcome. Iron & Steel Investors are urgently needed to establish a Plant size of over 400,000 metric tonnes to produce profile Rods, Coils Sheets, Pipes, Tubes, Rails and Beams for both domestic and foreign markets. Glass Products Investors are in need to set up a Glass Bottle Factory to produce over 30 million bottles per annum, Glass Tumblers, Plates, Bowls etc. for Homes, Hotels, Offices etc. Rubber Products Investors are in need to establish a Rubber-based products factory to produce Rubber Sheets, Conveyor Belts, Transmission Belt, Bicycle Tyres and Tubes, Rubber Boots, Car Mats, Fan Belts, retread Rubber, Surgical Gloves etc. Engineering And Metal Based Projects Investors are needed to set up enterprises that would improve upon the existing technologies in the manufacturing of food processing equipment. Investors are also needed to set up foundries for the manufacture of simple machine tools, farm implements, spare parts for vehicles, vehicle body building, manufacturing of food processing equipment. Electrical And Electronic Industry There are several entrepreneurs engaged in the servicing and repair of various electrical and electronic gadgets in Ghana. All the parts needed for the repair works are imported. Investors are invited to set up factories for the manufacturing of electronic spare parts to feed the electronic industry. Electricity With growth in annual electricity consumption currently over 12% - as result of an Economic Recovery Programme Ghana has embarked upon since 1985 - investment opportunities in Ghana's electric sector are enormous with promises of fast returns. For more details of investment opportunities contact: The Chief Executive Volta River Authority P.O. Box M.77 Accra, Ghana Tel: 233-21-664941-9 Fax: 233-21-662610 Electricity Company of Ghana Electro Volta House P.O. Box 521 Accra, Ghana Tel: 233-21-664941 Fax: 233-21-666262 Textiles Another potential area for investment is in the textile industry. There is a well developed textile and garment industry operated mainly by small scale entrepreneurs. African prints such as "Adinkra", "Batik", "Tie and Dye", and "Kente" are also produced in large quantities by small scale entrepreneurs. Enterprises may be set up to improve the traditional methods of producing the popular Kente and Adinkra cloths. These enterprises as a way of improving the quality of the Adinkra cloth especially could upgrade the existing technology being used to extract dyes from the barks and roots of trees. They could also produce Batik, Tie and Dye and the Kente cloth in commercial quantities both for the domestic and foreign markets. Computers/Telecommunications There is a great demand for telecom in Ghana. Evidence suggests that taken as a whole the current state of Ghana telecommunication offers a lot of opportunities for investors both local and foreign. It provides good opportunities for venture capitalists to earn very high returns. The advent of the Internet and the convergence of technology have also further extended telecom opportunities in Ghana. Insurance Industry Already the industry has developed strongly due, in part, to intensified competition for an expanding insurance market which is currently worth over US$100 million in annual premiums. For insurance firms that do wish to register and abide by the rules however, there are many opportunities both in life and general insurance. About 90 percent of Ghana's insurance market potentials are still unexploited, leaving a lot of room for new firms to spread and reap good premiums. Interested investors are welcome. Fossil Fuel (Crude Oil) And Gas The oil deposits are to be found both onshore and offshore in the Tano basin. Ghana's only thermal plant was recently commissioned at Aboadze near Sekondi/Takoradi. A lot more such plant could be invested in, as well as investments in solar energy for the local Ghanaian and West African countries. Interested investors are welcome. Value Addition In Cocoa Industry Ghana's Cocoa Research Institute with assistance from UN Common Fund has successfully produced top quality cocoa brandy, cocoa wine and cocoa gin from Ghana's raw cocoa beans. The Institute has also successfully produced soaps and perfumes from raw cocoa. Ghana Cocoa Board is seeking overseas investors/partners to commercialize production. It also welcomes foreign capital investments in the downstream processing of cocoa for the export market, and is striving to develop international trade links. Investment in the 'golden pod' (cocoa) abound. Local and foreign investors are invited to take advantage of the attractive concessions and incentives offered by the Ghana Investment Code and the Ghana Cocoa Board. Interested investor should contact: Chief Executive Ghana Cocoa Board P. O. Box Tel:233-21-221212/ 67416/ 233027 Fax: 233-21-667104/ 665076 Website: www.cocobod.gh Historical Heritage Conservation The forts and castles are available for rehabilitation and conversion into Guest Houses, Inns, Museums, Galleries etc. Resorts Beaches, Estuaries, Inland Water Bodies are available for Sports, Accommodation, Entertainment, Conference Facilities etc. Protected Areas/Forest Reserves These are ready to be designated as international Biosphere Reserves and resourced with tourist facilities and activities e.g. Hiking, Game Viewing, Water Sports etc. Entertainment Industry Discotheques, Cinema Halls, Parks & Gardens, Bars/Restaurants, Concert Halls, Casinos etc. are attractive investment areas and interested investors are welcome. Other Investable Areas Investors are invited to establish: Inter And Intra City Transport System, Bulk Haulage Transportation, Car Hiring Services, Vehicles Assembly Plants, Information Technology, Ship/Boat Building Industry And Cargo Operation Services etc. NATIONAL AWARD FOR EXPORT ACHIEVEMENT This is an annual national event held to recognize exporters for their contribution towards the economic well being of the nation. The main objectives of the scheme are: To formally recognize the contribution of exporters in the non-traditional sector to the economic prosperity of Ghana. To commend exporters for exporting quality products. To encourage higher levels of performance by exports. To raise export consciousness among the Ghanaian Business community. CONCLUSION There is no gain saying that investment potential in Ghana for export oriented individual and enterprises are enormous. Great dividends await investors who will venture in all the three sub sectors of the non-traditional export sector namely agricultural, manufacturing and processing and the handicrafts sectors. The doors of Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) offices are wide open to provide the facilitating role that prospective investors need towards the development of bankable export projects. The GEPC and other export institutions have well stocked libraries which are a veritable source of useful information on export products market, marketing systems and mechanisms, quality requirements and packaging. These offices open to the public on working days. Foreign businessmen find the Council a very useful source of Business Information on Ghana. The information given in above is limited, and further information may be obtained from the Ghana Export Promotion Council whose address is furnished below or Ghana Embassies/High Commissions abroad. Ghana Export Promotion Council P.O. Box M.146 Accra, Ghana Tel: 233-21-228813/228830/228620/229541 Fax: 233-21-668263 Website: BACK Copyright (C) Embassy of Ghana in Japan All Rights Reserved.