Introduction to Ghana – Norway Bilateral Relations
Over the years, bilateral relations between Ghana and Norway have evolved from traditional development aid to strategic partnership across several sectors, from economic investment, maritime cooperation, blue economy leadership, security collaboration, to a shared commitment in global policy arenas.
A Conversation with Ambassador John Mikal Kvistad
In September 2025, Ghana and Norway signed a Political Consultations Agreement in New York, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The framework is designed to deepen bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic sectors, including trade- and business, sustainable development of natural resources, the blue economy, peace and security, and other areas of regional, global and multilateral nature which are of common interest.
A week ago, I had the privilege to meet His Excellency John Mikal Kvistad, the Norwegian Ambassador to Ghana for a conversation. Our chat focused on the direction of the Norwegian mission in Ghana under his leadership and initiatives to deepen the current state of bilateral relations between Ghana and Norway.
Norwegian Investments in Ghana
Ambassador Kvistad praised the new Ghanaian government for its numerous gains in stabilizing the Ghanaian economy, including a dramatic and sustained inflation rate decline from 23.8% in December 2024 to 5.4% in December 2025 and a 6% year –on–year growth rate. He described them as a good indication for Norwegian businesses to consider making tremendous investments in Ghana.
As the primary diplomatic mission representing Norway’s interests in Ghana, the Norwegian Embassy in Accra promotes trade and investment opportunities, particularly in oil and gas, renewable energy, aquaculture, agriculture, and maritime sectors. Currently, there are about 25 Norwegian-owned or affiliated firms operating in Ghana with interest in sustainable ocean industries, energy, and fisheries.
Double Taxation Agreement and Economic Stability
Ambassador Kvistad is convinced the situation will improve when the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) signed between Ghana and Norway and approved by the Norwegian parliament in March 2021 comes into force. In addition, the current economic stability Ghana is enjoying is most likely to serve as a catalyst in attracting Norwegian businesses to Ghana.
For more information on Double Taxation Agreement and its impact on businesses, please visit our website.
Norwegian Investment Fund and Sustainable Development
Over the years, the Norwegian investment fund for developing countries, Norfund, has been actively investing in Ghana to foster sustainable business, job creation, and green industrial growth, with a focus on manufacturing, renewable energy, and financial services. In recent times, the fund has made several investments including a USD15 million loan to B5 Plus Limited, for their steel plant modernization and solar energy, supporting Miniplat’s plastic recycling initiatives with USD10.5 million and Tropo Farms’ fish farming with USD10 million.
For more information on sustainable development and its importance in international relations, please visit our website.
Ghana and Norway: A Strategic Partnership
Ambassador Kvistad added “Ghana and Norway share significant alignment in their approaches to global issues, characterized by a strategic partnership anchored in shared values, sustainability, and multilateralism. As of 2025, the two nations have deepened their cooperation to provide joint global leadership, particularly in ocean governance, maritime security, and sustainable development. The partnership is built on shared commitment to rule of law, gender equality, and inclusive governance”.
For more information on global leadership and its impact on international relations, please visit our website.
The Future of Bilateral Relations
On the future of bilateral relations between Ghana and Norway, Ambassador Kvistad stated that the two countries are positioned for a deeper and strategic partnership.
For more information on bilateral relations and their importance in international trade, please visit our website.