Stakeholders pictured at the just ended Volta Economic Forum
The maiden Volta Economic Forum has been held at Whuti in the Anloga District as part of the activities to mark the 63rd Hogbetsotso Festival.
Its focus is to unlock the region’s economic capacity under the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy.
Held on the theme: “Harnessing the Volta Economic Corridor Potentials for the 24-Hour Economic Policy Take-Off”, the event was organised by the Volta Corridor Investment Centre (VCIC) in collaboration with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), National Development Planning Commission (NDPC – Volta), and the Anlo Dukor Council.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff, who was the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the Volta Region’s vast natural and economic resources, including fertile lands, renewable energy potential, and the strategic benefits of the Volta lake.
She noted that the Volta Economic Corridor, launched earlier in year, was designed to serve as a logistics and production backbone boosting industrial parks, agro-processing, and inland water transport.
She said the initiative was projected to attract over US$1 billion in investment and create more than one million jobs, while positioning Ghana as a major regional trade hub.
International partners including the African Development Bank and UK Government’s Jobs and Economic Transformation Programme had already expressed support for the plan.
Madam Bampoe Addo outlined four key sectors expected to benefit as: Agriculture and Agro-processing through value-chain industrialisation and modern storage facilities; Energy Expansion including hybrid hydro-solar solutions to sustain 24/7 industry; Logistics and Transport Infrastructure leveraging Lake Volta as a multimodal corridor; Tourism Development through upgraded sites, hospitality, and year-round events.
She urged stakeholders to collaborate in transforming the region’s economic potential into prosperity for its people.
Mr Eric Opoku, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, announced that the 41st National Farmers Day would be hosted in Ho, the regional capital, on the theme: “Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, Secure the Future.”
He revealed new initiatives including climate-resilient seeds, targeted fertilizer distribution based on soil testing, and the establishment of Farmer Service Centres across the country.
He encouraged Ghanaians to support local farmers by patronizing Ghana-grown food products to drive employment and economic growth.
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana EximBank and lead sponsor of the Forum, emphasised the Bank’s readiness to finance export-driven enterprises, agro-processing, renewable energy, and tourism infrastructure in the Volta Region.
He called for public-private partnerships and stronger policy coordination to fully unlock the region’s potential.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, said the Forum marks a new chapter in the region’s economic agenda, with the 24-Hour Economy serving as the driver for increased productivity, private investment, and youth employment.
He said districts had already profiled over 50 investment-ready projects across agro-business, aquaculture, ICT, eco-tourism, logistics, and renewable energy-supported by the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat and GIPC.
“The Volta Region is open, stable and ready for business,” he assured investors.
Torgbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI, Dufia of Whuti and Paramount Chief of Kome Shime Traditional Area, who Chaired the Forum, commended the organisers and pledged the commitment of traditional leadership to the region’s economic advancement.
The Forum attracted Municipal and District Chief Executives, members of the diplomatic corps, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners, who delivered presentations and goodwill messages toward the success of the Volta Economic Corridor initiative.
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