🇨🇭 Switzerland Commits $77 Million Grant to Boost Ghana’s Economic Resilience and Diversification


New four-year cooperation programme launched to support Ghana’s economy through decentralization, private sector growth, and climate adaptation


In a significant boost to Ghana's economic development, Switzerland has announced a $77 million grant as part of a four-year cooperation programme aimed at strengthening the resilience and future-oriented growth of the Ghanaian economy.


The announcement was made during a high-level stakeholder engagement led by the Swiss Embassy in Accra, with a delegation from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)'s Infrastructure Financing Division. The initiative brings together government agencies, civil society actors, and local stakeholders under the theme: "Creating a More Resilient and Forward-Looking Ghanaian Economy."


Ambassador Simone Giger


Speaking at the launch event, Ambassador Simone Giger, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Ghana, reaffirmed her country’s long-standing commitment to Ghana’s development and highlighted the importance of economic diversification.


“I feel that Ghana’s economy and trade should be more diversified,” she said. “I would be super happy if one day I could go to a Swiss market and buy clothes made in Ghana, handcrafts made in Ghana, or even chocolate made in Ghana.”


Ambassador Giger emphasized the need to move beyond traditional exports and encouraged investment in new, globally competitive sectors. She outlined three priority areas of intervention under the cooperation programme:


Decentralization and local governance


Private sector development ,


Climate change adaptation


These pillars, she noted, are vital to improving service delivery and economic opportunities across the country.


Mr. David Marcos


Also speaking at the event, Mr. David Marcos, Project Manager of the "Productivity Ecosystems for Decent Work" initiative at the International Labour Organization (ILO), stressed the programme’s focus on improving productivity and working conditions in factories.


“Our aim is to enhance economic cooperation by promoting efficiency and decent work environments, especially in agro-processing industries that can create jobs and build value chains within Ghana,” he said.


Mr. Marcos also emphasized SECO’s unique access to global economic institutions, which enhances its ability to deliver high-impact programmes aligned with both national and international development goals.


Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim


Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, acknowledged the strategic alignment between the 2025–2028 SECO cooperation programme and the ministry's objectives.


“SECO’s renewed commitment and accountability in supporting Ghana’s decentralization agenda is timely and deeply appreciated,” the Minister stated.



Ghana and Switzerland have enjoyed decades of bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, cocoa partnerships, and environmental collaboration. This new phase of partnership is expected to deepen those ties while unlocking new avenues for inclusive and sustainable growth.


Reported By Azaglo Michael 

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