Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank Vice President for West and Central Africa is set to visit Ghana from January 6 to 11, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s developmental trajectory. The visit coincides with the inauguration of President-Elect John Dramani Mahama and underscores the World Bank’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Ghana.
Mr. Diagana’s discussions with President Mahama is expected to shape the trajectory of Ghana’s developmental priorities. These talks will focus on aligning the World Bank’s support with the incoming government’s vision, particularly in areas promoting prosperity and sustainability. Key sectors likely to dominate the discussions include infrastructure, urban resilience, and economic competitiveness.
One of the highlights of the visit will be Mr. Diagana’s engagement in Kumasi, where he will review progress on the Kumasi Urban Mobility Accessibility Project (KUMAP). This transformative initiative aims to overhaul Kumasi’s transport infrastructure, enhancing urban mobility and improving economic activity in Ghana’s second-largest city. The project’s outcomes could significantly boost regional trade and local business operations by reducing transportation bottlenecks.
During his stay in Accra, Mr. Diagana will visit the World Bank-funded Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Beyond its historical significance, the site symbolizes the potential of cultural tourism as an economic driver. Its redevelopment is a testament to how strategic investments can blend heritage preservation with economic gain, offering lessons for other sectors.
Ghana remains a vital partner for the World Bank, with an active portfolio of $4.84 billion across 25 projects in sectors like finance, health, urban resilience, and social protection. Mr. Diagana’s visit reaffirms the institution’s commitment to ensuring these projects deliver measurable benefits to Ghanaian citizens while supporting long-term economic stability.
This high-profile visit signals increased collaboration between the World Bank and Ghana’s government at a critical juncture. With a focus on actionable outcomes, the visit offers a platform to prioritize investments that can accelerate growth, reduce inequality, and enhance resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.
As Ghana transitions to new leadership, Mr. Diagana’s visit positions the World Bank as a key ally in supporting the nation’s ambitions for sustainable development. Stakeholders will closely watch the outcomes of this visit, which could set the stage for transformative changes across multiple sectors.
