Deepening Ghana – Norway bilateral relations: A Conversation with Ambassador John Mikal Kvistad

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.

The two countries are actively pursuing deeper political dialogue and practical cooperation that reflects shared priorities in sustainable economic growth, regional security, and inclusive development. 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.

Ambassador Kvistad holds a master’s in Political Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History. With his global experience and a curious mind, he brings his invaluable experience and connections to bear on the mandate of the mission and champion the strengthening of Ghana – Norway bilateral relations.

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.

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.

“We are disappointed with the state of the Double Taxation Agreement, which was fully negotiated and signed by both the Ghanaian and Norwegian sides. We note for the record that the Double Taxation Agreement remains unratified by Ghana, and that the government has not submitted it to Parliament for consideration. I am aware if we have that in force, there will be more Norwegian companies that will be investing in the Ghanaian economy. In the past, we had about 50 Norwegian businesses in Ghana operating, which has reduced to the current number. We are working very hard on this, I have had meetings with some high level Ghanaian officials, and other relevant stakeholders to explore ways of getting it enforced”, Ambassador Kvistad emphasized.

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.

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”.

In the area of women and children, Ambassador Kvistad made mention of The Female Future Program, which was developed by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprises (NHO) in 2003 in response to the Norwegian government’s policy requiring the boards of public limited companies to have at least 40% representation of both genders. “The Program was first rolled out to Uganda in 2010, then in Tanzania and Kenya. In 2019, Norfund supported NHO to establish the program in Ghana to support female talent in a leadership and boardroom competence development program”, he added.

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.

Story by Chris Koney

Chris is a seasoned Integrated Marketing Communications Professional and International Cooperation Specialist with a vast working experience across several sectors; Media and Broadcasting, Public Relations, Telecommunications, International Cooperation and Investor Relations. Over the last decade, he has successfully managed relationships with Diplomatic Missions, International Finance Institutions, and Development Finance Institutions, played leading role in fundraising and assisted businesses to navigate the complexities of International Trade.  He can be reached at [email protected] / +233 20 854 1480.

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