The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair has been launched at the historic Juapong Textiles Limited, drawing together government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, investors, and industry captains in a colourful ceremony that set the stage for a bold new vision to reposition the Volta Region as a hub of opportunity, enterprise, and innovation.

The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair is a multi-sectoral initiative organised under the auspices of the Eastern, Volta and Oti chapter of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), in partnership with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and other key stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair, Fred Avornyo, stated the broader national and regional significance of the fair, describing it as “more than just an exhibition”.

He said the fair embodied a transformative vision that responded to Ghana’s pressing challenges such as youth unemployment while at the same time opening up sustainable avenues for investment and partnerships across critical sectors which includedtourism, agribusiness, the creative industries, manufacturing, education, and hospitality, which he noted were vital pillars for job creation and regional development.

Mr Avornyo indicated that the fair was not only an avenue for showcasing products and services but was also designed as a practical platform to attract new investments into the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole.

"The fair is designed as a practical tool to bridge the gap by attracting investment into tourism, agribusiness, creative industries, manufacturing, education, and hospitality," he said.

He expressed optimism that the event would open up opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs while repositioning the Volta Region as a hub of innovation, enterprise, and inclusive development.

Mr Avornyo further underscored the region’s strategic importance, describing Volta as Ghana’s eastern gateway to the 400-million-strong ECOWAS market. He urged government and private stakeholders to take advantage of this geographic edge to attract businesses seeking expansion across West Africa.

The 7th Volta Fair themed “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy,” will feature a series of innovations including 24-hour experience days to demonstrate the benefits of a round-the-clock economy.

Planned highlights include exhibitions across agribusiness, tourism, energy, ICT, and education; the maiden Volta Investment Summit to spotlight bankable projects; Business to Business sessions linking entrepreneurs with global partners; cultural nights; tours of scenic attractions; and an essay competition for Junior High and Senior High students.

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, described the event as a historic milestone, which aligned with the government's 24-hour economy policy, a transformative initiative outlined in the 2025 national budget with initial government funding of US$300 million and a target to mobilise US$4 billion over four years.

He revealed that 1,500 acres of land had already been secured in Adaklu for the establishment of a 24-hour industrial park, envisioned as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and exports. 

He also disclosed ongoing engagements with the Ministry of Trade and the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to revive Juapong Textiles, once a cornerstone of Ghana’s textile industry under the 24-hour model.

The regional minister said government’s renewed focus on industrialisation offered a timely opportunity to reposition the factory as a driver of jobs, enterprise, and regional growth.

"The choice of Juapong is not accidental it is a signal that we are ready to breathe new life into this community, restore industries that once powered livelihoods, and create opportunities for future generations," Gunu said.

The District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe, stated that the choice of Juapong for the of the 7th edition of the fair was  symbolic, stressing that the district stood ready to play a central role in Ghana’s economic transformation.

She noted North Tongu was a district of immense promise, a strategic gateway, a fertile land of opportunities, and a beacon of cultural pride with the area’s agricultural potential in rice farming, cassava processing, maize, vegetables, aquaculture, and its vital role as a logistics and trade hub linking the Volta Region with Greater Accra Region and the Eastern Region.

She also pointed to the tourism potential of the Volta River for eco-tourism, water transport, and hospitality development, and extended an open invitation to investors and development partners to tap into the district’s opportunities.

The Acting Head of Mission of the Malaysian High Commission in Ghana, Syed Nauzer Idid, pledged his country’s readiness to deepen economic cooperation with Ghana, particularly in the Volta Region.

He expressed optimism that the fair would spark lasting collaborations between Ghanaian and Malaysian businesses while strengthening bonds of prosperity between the two nations. 

He assured of Malaysia’s commitment to championing initiatives that enhanced bilateral trade and development.

The main fair is scheduled to take place in Ho, from November 28 to December 8, 2025, where thousands of exhibitors, entrepreneurs, investors, and global partners are expected to converge to explore opportunities under Ghana’s 24-hour economy framework.