By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Africa’s richest man and business magnate, Aliko Dangote, has commended President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a significant turnaround in Ghana’s economy within a relatively short period.
Dangote made the remarks while speaking at the “Accra Reset: Full Circle – Making Global Development Work Again” event held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Dangote, the progress recorded in Ghana demonstrates the importance of restoring confidence in an economy, stressing that “money follows trust.”
“Let me first of all appreciate and congratulate my brother, His Excellency President, who actually turned around the economy of Ghana in a very, very short time,” Dangote said.
He explained that President Mahama’s achievement was not the result of any magic but rather the outcome of making what he described as the right decisions.
“It wasn’t a very good case, but when he came in, he didn’t do any magic. He did the right thing,” Dangote stated.
His comments came as Ghana continues efforts to strengthen its economy, restore investor confidence and create an environment that can attract greater investment into the country.
Dangote’s remarks placed particular emphasis on the relationship between confidence and investment.
He argued that when investors and businesses have confidence in a country’s economic direction, capital is more likely to flow into that economy.
The billionaire businessman therefore congratulated President Mahama for the progress, describing the economic turnaround as an important indication of what can happen when the right measures are implemented.
For Ghana, the comments represent recognition from one of Africa’s most prominent business leaders and investors.
Beyond Ghana’s economic performance, Dangote used the platform to speak about the future of the African continent and the need for Africans to invest more heavily in their own economies.
He called for greater cooperation among African countries and urged Africans to believe in the continent’s potential.
According to him, Africa has enormous opportunities, but the continent must move beyond continuously talking about its potential and begin turning those opportunities into real economic development.
“We have to get together, we have to believe in our country, we have to invest there. It is not only for us, it is for the future of the next and next generation,” he said.
He also questioned the barriers that Africans face when travelling and doing business across the continent, arguing that stronger integration would help promote trade, investment and economic development.
In a major announcement at the Accra Reset event, Dangote also disclosed plans for a massive investment programme across Africa.
He said between $46 billion and $50 billion in investments would be rolled out across the continent, stressing that the initiative is based on confidence in Africa and its future.
“We’re rolling out a $46 billion to $50 billion investment across Africa because we believe in Africa and its future. This time, Africa Rising will be a reality,” Dangote said.
The announcement underscores the growing focus on African-led investment and the development of industries capable of creating jobs, strengthening local economies and reducing dependence on external support.
Dangote has consistently advocated greater investment in Africa and the development of local industries.
His remarks at the UN General Assembly side event reflected his belief that Africa possesses the resources, markets and human capital required to achieve significant economic transformation.
He stressed the need for African countries and businesses to take greater ownership of the continent’s development while creating opportunities for future generations.
The businessman’s comments also placed Ghana’s economic experience within a wider African context, suggesting that restoring confidence and implementing sound economic policies can help attract investment.
Dangote’s endorsement of the progress in Ghana provides an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the country’s economic direction.
His statement that “money follows trust” highlights the importance of confidence in attracting investment and supporting economic growth.
At the same time, his announcement of plans to invest between $46 billion and $50 billion across Africa reflects his broader vision for increased private-sector participation in the continent’s development.
As African leaders, businesses and investors continue discussions on how to accelerate economic growth, Dangote’s message was clear: Africa must believe in its own potential, invest in its future and create the conditions necessary for sustainable development.
For Ghana, his remarks have brought renewed attention to the country’s economic recovery and the importance of maintaining investor confidence as the government continues its economic reform efforts.
