The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) has launched the maiden Eastern Expo in Koforidua, Ghana, to promote trade, investment, and tourism in the region. The expo, running from September 30 to October 3, 2026, aims to unlock economic opportunities and is themed "Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Investment and Tourism." The event was opened by Mr. Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.
According to Mr. Tanoh, the Eastern region is central to the government's plans to transform Ghana's economy through industrialization, job creation, and export development. The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme aims to help Ghana move from exporting raw materials to producing finished goods for domestic, ECOWAS, and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets. This program is expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and investors in the region.
The Volta Economic Corridor, covering 75 districts, including 10 in the Eastern region, is set to receive improved rail, lake, and road infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods and reduce freight costs. Industrial and agro-processing parks are being developed in the Kwahu Afram Plains, while investments in tomato processing, agro-production, and garment manufacturing in Koforidua are expected to create jobs and help reduce post-harvest losses. These initiatives are part of the government's efforts to drive economic growth and development in the region.
Tourism is also identified as a key driver of the region's economic development. The government plans to develop tourist attractions and improve access and services under the SHOW24 initiative. Mr. Tanoh urged investors to provide capital, technology, and expertise, while encouraging farmers, producers, and local businesses to participate in emerging value chains. This will help to unlock the region's economic potential and create new opportunities for growth and development.
Mr. Seth Terkper, Economic Adviser to the President and former Minister of Finance, commended the ERCC and the Eastern Regional Minister for spearheading the initiative. He emphasized that value addition and industrialization are central to the President's Resetting Ghana Agenda and that the 2026 Budget places strong emphasis on the 24-Hour Economy Policy, agribusiness, and opportunities under the AfCFTA. Mr. Terkper also highlighted the need for a more predictable business environment and access to finance through the Development Bank Ghana.
Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, Eastern Regional Minister, described the Expo as "the beginning of a new chapter" for the region and a platform to market its resources and connect local businesses to global opportunities. She assured investors of a peaceful and conducive business environment and invited local and international investors to explore opportunities in the region. The region has significant economic potential, with arable lands, mineral deposits, and tourist attractions, including Boti Falls, the Volta Lake, and the Kwahu Scarp.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, emphasized the interconnectedness of tourism, trade, and investment in driving growth across sectors. She called for integrated tourism circuits to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more, while promoting agro-tourism and food tourism to create opportunities for farmers, processors, women, and young entrepreneurs. The Expo is expected to generate business deals, partnerships, investments, and jobs, while encouraging tourism operators and young people to develop new products and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Key points
- The Eastern Expo aims to promote trade, investment, and tourism in Ghana's Eastern region to unlock economic opportunities.
- The government has initiatives in place to drive economic growth, including the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
- The Expo is expected to generate business deals, partnerships, investments, and jobs, while promoting tourism and economic development in the region.
