Switzerland has emerged as Ghana’s top export destination in 2023, with exports to Switzerland reaching a remarkable $3 billion.
This represents a significant increase from the $1.5 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2019.
Speaking at a reception commemorating Switzerland’s 733rd anniversary, Ambassador Simone Giger highlighted that Ghana maintained its position as Switzerland’s second-largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, trailing only South Africa.
The National Day celebration in Switzerland honors the country’s democratic institutions, established since the adoption of its constitution in 1848.
The grand reception in Ghana was attended by high-ranking officials, ambassadors, government representatives, business executives, and members of the Swiss community.
Ambassador Giger emphasized the strong economic and trade ties between Ghana and Switzerland, underscored by ongoing development cooperation.
She outlined Switzerland’s new cooperation framework with Ghana for 2025 to 2028, which will focus on strengthening strategic value chains, investing in youth skills development, promoting effective decentralization, and expanding renewable energy solutions, in collaboration with the private sector.
Representing the Ghanaian government, Minister for Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, lauded Ghana’s reputation as a safe and welcoming environment for foreign investors.
He pointed out that over 55 Swiss companies, including Nestlé Ghana, Accra Brewery, and Barry Callebaut, have invested in Ghana, attracted by the country’s political stability, security, and favorable investment conditions.
Asenso-Boakye noted that the $3 billion trade volume in 2023 reflected Switzerland’s significant trade balance in favor of Ghana.
He also highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), inviting more Swiss businesses to partner with Ghanaian companies to strengthen the private sector and create jobs for the youth.
The Minister expressed gratitude to Switzerland for its longstanding financial and technical support, particularly in peace and human security cooperation. He also acknowledged Switzerland’s role as a major sponsor of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra.