The Commissioner and Volta Representative of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Elikplim Apetorgbor, has warned that the Region can no longer afford to celebrate its investment opportunities without turning them into functioning businesses, jobs and economic value.
He said the region had moved beyond the stage of merely showcasing its investment potential and must now concentrate on mobilising capital and executing bankable projects capable of transforming the livelihoods of its people.
Dr Apetorgbor, who is also President of the Volta Corridor Investment Centre (VCIC), made the call at the 2026 Volta Economic Forum held in Ho under the theme, “From Opportunity Showcase to Investment Execution.”
The forum brought together government representatives, traditional authorities, investors, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating investment and economic development in the region.
According to Dr Apetorgbor, the Volta Region possessed the resources, investment opportunities and human capital required for economic transformation, but those advantages would remain largely untapped without capital mobilisation, credible projects, effective institutions and disciplined execution.
He recalled that the maiden forum in 2025 focused largely on identifying and marketing investment opportunities in the region, creating visibility for projects and generating interest among potential investors and strategic partners.
He cited the Zonda Showroom in Ho, a 500-acre sisal farming project in Akatsi North, aquaculture development in Keta, interest in white clay deposits at Kpando for ceramics production, and the Zen Palms Beach Resort and Spa in Keta as some of the initiatives that had emerged from the investment drive.
Dr Apetorgbor said the 2026 forum was therefore designed to move the conversation from opportunity identification to implementation by connecting credible and investment-ready projects with investors, financial institutions and strategic partners capable of providing capital and technical support.
He stressed that the region should no longer measure its investment progress by the number of opportunities showcased, saying the ultimate measure must be the number of projects implemented, businesses established, jobs created and economic value generated.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, backed the call and outlined a four-pillar economic development strategy anchored on agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and logistics, and the blue economy and fisheries.
Mr Gunu said the region must expand commercial farming and local processing of cassava, rice, maize, fruits, vegetables, coconut, cocoa and livestock, while its beaches, waterfalls, mountains, forests and cultural attractions could be developed to increase tourist arrivals, lengthen visitor stays and boost spending.
He disclosed that about 1,500 acres of land near Adaklu had been identified for an industrial park and appealed to investors to partner with the Regional Coordinating Council to develop the facility. He added that about 300 young people had been engaged under the Volta Youth in Agriculture initiative, while the Volta Youth Development Fund had supported 10 young entrepreneurs with GH¢10,000 each.
The Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, also called for greater unity and coordination among stakeholders, identifying the proposed Keta Harbour, railway connectivity through the Volta and Oti regions, the Eastern Corridor Road and expansion of the Ho Airport runway as major projects capable of unlocking economic opportunities. He further advocated investment in energy, medical tourism, urban development and an aeropolis around the Ho Airport, urging stakeholders to remain united and committed to turning the region’s opportunities into investments, enterprises and jobs.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
