The 7th Volta Trade and Investment Fair was launched with colour and conviction on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Volta Star Textiles Ltd, formerly Juapong Textiles in the North Tongu District, drawing together a distinguished gathering of government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, investors, and captains of industry. The choice of venue was deeply symbolic. Once a thriving hub for cotton processing and grey baft production, the factory stands as a monument to Ghana’s industrial heritage and a rallying point for economic renewal. Its selection echoed the region’s call for revitalisation and aligned with the national push toward a 24-hour economy.
The ceremony was chaired by Togbega Kadzi Zogah II, Paramount Chief of Sokpoe Traditional Area and President of the Tongu Chiefs Union, whose presence lent cultural depth and communal authority to the occasion. He was joined by other revered chiefs, including Togbe Patamia Dzekle, Paramount Chief of Battor and Vice President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, and Togbe Dagadu IX, Paramount Chief of Akpini (Kpando), whose support underscored the unity of traditional leadership behind Volta’s transformation.
Chief Executive Officer of the Fair, Mr. Fred Avornyo, described the initiative as more than an event, calling it a movement to tackle youth unemployment and unlock investment across agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, education, hospitality, and the creative industries. He emphasised Volta’s strategic location as Ghana’s eastern gateway to ECOWAS. He unveiled innovations including 24-hour experience days, a maiden Volta Investment Summit, cultural nights, scenic tours, and an essay competition for schools, all under the theme “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy.”
Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, announced the acquisition of 1,500 acres in Adaklu for a 24-hour industrial park and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the 24-hour economy, backed by an initial US$300 million allocation in the 2025 budget. He also revealed plans to revive Volta Star Textiles, declaring that though the factory may appear lifeless today, it shall rise again just as the prophet Ezekiel spoke life into dry bones.
District Chief Executive for North Tongu, Hon. Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe, described Juapong as both symbolic and strategic, highlighting the district’s agricultural wealth and its role as a logistics hub linking Volta to Greater Accra and the Eastern Region. She called on investors to explore opportunities in rice farming, cassava processing, aquaculture, and eco-tourism along the Volta River.
The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, including H.E. Col. Awoki Pannasa, Togo’s High Commissioner to Ghana; Ms. Aneli Amanyanga, Third Secretary at the Namibia High Commission; and Mr. Syed Nauzer Yousoff Edid, Chargé d’Affaires at the Malaysian High Commission. Their participation signalled growing international interest in Volta’s rising prospects.
Also present was Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Director of Partnerships and Markets at the 24-Hour Secretariat, Office of the President, who threw the full support of the Secretariat behind the Fair. He commended the organisers for aligning with the national vision and assured stakeholders of the Presidency’s commitment to driving inclusive economic growth through the 24-hour model.
The main Fair is scheduled to take place in Ho from November 28 to December 8, 2025, where thousands of exhibitors, entrepreneurs, and development partners are expected to converge to explore opportunities under Ghana’s 24-hour economy framework. From Juapong to Ho, the message is clear: Volta is rising, and the time is now.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
