The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair, launched in Juapong on August 25, 2025, heralds an ambitious vision for the Volta Region’s transformation into a dynamic hub of economic activity. The event, themed “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy”, aims to address critical challenges such as youth unemployment and unlock the region’s vast potential through strategic partnerships and innovative initiatives. Key stakeholders, including the Volta Regional Minister, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and business leaders, gathered to endorse this transformative vision and underscore the fair’s significance in driving economic growth and development. The fair’s CEO, Mr. Fred Avornyo, emphasized the event’s role as a catalyst for progress, moving beyond a simple marketplace to become a platform for tackling unemployment and fostering investment opportunities.
The fair’s organizers envision a revitalized industrial landscape, exemplified by the revival of Juapong Textiles and the establishment of new businesses. They see a future where young entrepreneurs thrive, the creative industry flourishes, and tourism prospers year-round. Mr. Avornyo highlighted the region’s strategic location as Ghana’s eastern gateway to West Africa, urging stakeholders to leverage this advantage to access the vast ECOWAS market of 400 million consumers. This strategic positioning, coupled with the region’s abundant resources and entrepreneurial spirit, presents a compelling case for investment and partnership.
The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair introduces a number of innovations, most notably the “24-hour experience days,” designed to showcase the potential benefits of a round-the-clock economy for trade, tourism, and social life. This innovative approach reflects the broader national policy of President John Dramani Mahama to establish a 24-hour economy in Ghana. The Fair will feature a diverse array of activities, including exhibitions, the inaugural Volta Investment Summit, business-to-business sessions, cultural nights, and creative showcases, providing a comprehensive platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and deal-making.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, linked the Fair directly to President Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy policy, highlighting its alignment with national goals of industrial growth, job creation, and enhanced global competitiveness. The policy has already secured significant initial funding, with ambitious targets for further mobilization to support various projects, including the revitalization of Juapong Textiles and the establishment of a 24-Hour Industrial Park in Adaklu. The choice of Juapong Textiles as the launch venue carries symbolic weight, representing both a nod to the region’s industrial heritage and a bold statement of its future aspirations.
The planned 24-Hour Industrial Park in Adaklu, with 1,500 acres already secured, is poised to become a major hub for manufacturing, logistics, and export, driving significant economic activity and creating employment opportunities. The government’s commitment to this initiative reflects a broader strategy to leverage industrial parks as engines of economic growth and to attract both domestic and foreign investment. This focus on infrastructure development is crucial for creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to the region’s economic transformation.
The November fair promises to be a pivotal event, bringing together businesses, investors, and development partners to explore the diverse opportunities that Volta has to offer. It represents a concerted effort to showcase the region’s potential, attract investment, and foster partnerships that will contribute to sustainable economic growth and create a brighter future for its people. This collaborative approach, involving both public and private sectors, is essential for realizing the region’s aspirations and transforming Volta into a thriving economic hub. The Fair serves as a call to action for both local and international stakeholders to invest in Volta’s future and contribute to its rise as a major player in the West African economic landscape.
