In a landmark moment for African diplomacy, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama made headlines on September 25, 2025, when his image dominated the iconic Nasdaq billboard in New York’s bustling Times Square.
Flashing the bold message “Ghana is Open for Business,” the display coincided perfectly with Mahama’s high-profile attendance at the 80th United Nations General Assembly and the U.S.-Ghana Business Roundtable. This eye-catching initiative, orchestrated by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre in partnership with Nasdaq, underscores Accra’s aggressive push to reposition the West African nation as a prime hub for international capital amid stabilizing economic reforms.
John Mahama in New York, President of Ghana featured on Nasdaq billboard in Times Square [VIDEO]
What sets this apart is its pioneering status: Mahama becomes the first African head of state to grace the Nasdaq’s digital canvas, a space usually claimed by tech titans and Fortune 500 giants. The campaign, backed by an investment exceeding $250,000, isn’t just flashy optics—it’s a calculated outreach to American executives and venture funds, highlighting Ghana’s gold-rich mines, burgeoning tech ecosystem, and streamlined regulations under Mahama’s administration. “This is more than a billboard; it’s a beacon calling global players to partner in Africa’s growth story,” noted a GIPC spokesperson during the unveiling, emphasizing the event’s role in bridging continents.
The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Fresh from ringing the Nasdaq opening bell the previous day—an honor that amplified Ghana’s market credentials—Mahama used the Roundtable to pitch incentives like tax breaks for renewable energy projects and digital infrastructure upgrades. Attendees, including U.S. Chamber of Commerce leaders, praised the move as a “game-changer” for bilateral trade, projected to surge 15% in the coming year according to early forecasts. This comes as Ghana rebounds from post-pandemic hurdles, with GDP growth tipping 5.2% in Q2 2025, fueled by oil exports and agricultural exports.
Beyond the glamour, the billboard blitz aligns with Mahama’s broader vision of economic resilience, drawing parallels to successful African outreach like Rwanda’s innovation summits. Experts predict it could unlock $500 million in fresh foreign direct investment by mid-2026, particularly in fintech and agribusiness. As digital screens in Times Square cycled through the vibrant display—featuring Ghana’s coastal landscapes and bustling markets—the message resonated far beyond Manhattan, trending on social media with over 50,000 shares by evening.
This Nasdaq spectacle cements Ghana’s narrative as an investor darling on the world stage, blending tradition with modernity to lure capital flows. For businesses eyeing emerging markets, Mahama’s bold stroke offers a clear invitation: Africa’s gateway is unlocked, ready for collaborative prosperity.
