Whuti: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, 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. Held under the theme ‘Harnessing the Volta Economic Corridor Potentials for the 24-Hour Economic Policy Take-Off’, the forum aimed to position the region as a pivotal economic player.
Madam Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the Volta Region’s natural and economic resources, such as fertile lands, renewable energy potential, and the strategic benefits of the Volta lake. She noted the Volta Economic Corridor, launched earlier this year, was designed to serve as a logistics and production backbone boosting industrial parks, agro-processing, and inland water transport.
The initiative is 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, have already expressed support for the plan.
Madam Bampoe Addo outlined four key sectors expected to benefit: Agriculture and Agro-processing, Energy Expansion, Logistics and Transport Infrastructure, and Tourism Development. 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 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 such as climate-resilient seeds, targeted fertilizer distribution, and the establishment of Farmer Service Centres.
Mr Sylvester Adinam Mensah, 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 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. Districts have already profiled over 50 investment-ready projects across various sectors.
Torgbui Nyaho Tamakloe VI, Dufia of Whuti and Paramount Chief of Kome Shime Traditional Area, chaired the Forum and commended the organisers, pledging 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.