Thursday, 23 October

Oti regional investment roadshow to catalyse local investment and unlock regional potential

Business
Simon Madjie , GIPC boss

The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) will hold the Oti Regional Investment Road show from 29 to 30 October 2025 at the Bosatsu Hotel in Dambai, to showcase the region’s investment opportunities and unlock its vast economic potential.

The two-day event, themed “Driving Local Investment - Unlocking Regional Potential: Mapping Opportunities and Mobilising Growth in the Oti Region,” is aimed at positioning Oti as an emerging hub for agribusiness, tourism, trade, and sustainable industrialisation.

It is a flagship program under the Investment Opportunity Mapping Project (IOMP), and the roadshow is part of a broader effort by the GIPC to spread investment equitably across Ghana.

It aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of inclusive growth, industrial transformation, and modern infrastructure development under the 24-Hour Economy policy.

Mapping opportunities and mobilising growth

The Oti Regional Investment Roadshow will identify, document, and promote investment-ready projects from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and community-based organisations.

The initiative aims to create a verified database of bankable projects rooted in local content, while connecting local entrepreneurs with domestic and international investors through structured business-to-business (B2B) sessions and project exhibitions.

Key outcomes are expected to include a pipeline of verified investment projects, enhanced capacity for local authorities to attract funding, and improved visibility of Oti as a competitive destination for investment.

The GIPC is working in collaboration with the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry– Oti Chapter, and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.

A comprehensive Oti Regional Investment Compendium will also be developed to document the opportunities identified for promotion to both local and international investors.

A region of natural wealth and strategic location

Covering 11,070 square kilometres, Oti is one of Ghana’s most naturally endowed regions, bordered by the Volta Lake to the west and the Republic of Togo to the east. Its strategic location makes it a natural trade gateway between Ghana’s northern corridor and neighbouring countries.

The region’s three ecological zones- forest, savanna, and tropical rainforest- make it suitable for almost every staple and cash crop. It is a major producer of yams, cassava, maize, rice, cocoa, cashews, and ginger, while over 750,000 hectares of arable land remain available for cultivation and agribusiness expansion.

Investment prospects to be profiled during the roadshow include cocoa fermentation and drying centres, cashew cracking and packaging facilities, timber and teak out-grower plantations, livestock and aquaculture enterprises, and rice and vegetable irrigation schemes.

There are also opportunities in fish processing, cold storage infrastructure, and agro-logistics along the Volta Lake corridor.

Tourism and cultural assets

Speaking ahead of the event, the Oti Regional Minister, Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, explained that beyond agriculture and industry, the region boasts a rich and largely untapped tourism potential.

“From majestic mountain ranges to scenic waterfalls and sacred caves, Oti offers one of Ghana’s most diverse eco-tourism landscapes,’’ he said.

Among its major attractions are the Kyabobo National Park, a 360-square-kilometre reserve known for its striking wildlife, bird species, and hiking trails; the Shiare Hanging Village, often referred to as “the village in the sky,” perched on the slopes of the Kyabobo Mountains; and the Likpe Ancestral Caves, which provide a fascinating window into ancient traditions and community heritage.

Other sites include the Breast Mountains near Nkwanta, whose twin peaks resemble a woman’s bosom and have become an iconic landmark for climbers and photographers; the Chilinga Waterfalls, cascading through lush forests near Dambai; and the Bowiri Caves and Rock Formations, which offer opportunities for adventure tourism and geological study.

The region also features several cultural festivals, craft markets, and homestay experiences that showcase the hospitality and traditions of the people of Oti. Together, these sites make the region an ideal location for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and community-based hospitality investments.

Policy direction and institutional support

The Oti Roadshow is part of the GIPC’s nationwide IOMP, launched in July 2025 with the support of the Office of the Chief of Staff. The project’s goal is to promote data-driven, district-level investment promotion across all 261 districts.

By documenting the strengths, resources, and infrastructure gaps in each locality, the IOMP provides the evidence base for public and private investment decisions. It complements government efforts to industrialise the economy, promote digital transformation, and ensure that growth reaches every corner of the country.

At the launch of the IOMP, the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah, described the initiative as a transformative policy tool for balancing national development and creating jobs across regions.

 Leadership and sustainability

Under the leadership of Mr Simon Madjie, the GIPC has adopted a forward-looking approach to investment promotion anchored on research, regional engagement, and partnership-building.

The Centre continues to champion both Local Direct Investment (LDI) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as twin drivers of national growth.

Through the use of technology, including a forthcoming digital investment platform, investors will be able to access up-to-date data on Ghana’s districts and regions, strengthening transparency and investor confidence.

Towards inclusive and balanced growth

The Oti Regional Investment Roadshow represents a significant step toward unlocking Ghana’s regional potential.

It underscores the GIPC’s commitment to inclusive development, where investment opportunities are identified, packaged, and promoted in every part of the country.

The Regional Minister stated that the road show provides a platform to present their rich natural, cultural, and economic assets to the world.

 

“With strong government backing, credible data, and a coordinated policy framework, the Oti Region is ready to rise as a new frontier for investment, tourism, and sustainable development,” he said. 

 

Source: Classfmonline.com/ Raphael Apetorgbor