Hon. James Gunu’s Economic Drive – the New Economic Vision for the Volta Region

In a region that has for decades struggled with under-industrialization despite its abundant resources, the current momentum being built through strategic programmes and economic events is beginning to tell a different story, one of opportunity, visibility and deliberate repositioning.

Events such as the National Farmers’ Day celebrations, the Volta Trade and Investment Fair, the Volta Economic Forum, and the GIPC Regional Investment Roadshow are not isolated programmes. They are gradually forming an ecosystem of growth that connects production, processing, investment and market access.

The Farmers’ Day celebration, recently hosted in the region, did more than honour farmers and fishers. It amplified agriculture as a serious economic foundation. It drew national attention to Volta’s capacity to feed itself and contribute significantly to Ghana’s food basket. Recognition of farmers, coupled with discussions around irrigation, mechanisation, storage and cooperatives, reinforces the idea that agriculture in Volta is no longer just subsistence — it is investment-ready.

At the same time, the Volta Trade and Investment Fair, especially the Women Entrepreneurship Summit, acts as the bridge between raw production and finished products. The fair showcased how local resources — from farm produce to textiles and cosmetics — can be refined, branded and positioned for broader markets. The focus on women entrepreneurs also sends a strong message that inclusive growth is possible and that the region is nurturing a new generation of business leaders.

The Volta Economic Forum and the GIPC Roadshow strengthened this message even further. By projecting the Volta corridor as a strategic hub for the 24-Hour Economy agenda, Hon. James Gunu has consistently framed the region not as a dependent zone, but as a driver of national productivity. Investors were not just welcomed; they were shown mapped opportunities, ready projects and sector-specific possibilities.

What makes this approach commendable is its consistency. The Regional Minister has not limited his outreach to speeches alone. He has created platforms, hosted forums and aligned the region with national development frameworks. He has spoken the language of business in a region that has long needed to be marketed as a business destination.

However, to make this vision fully achievable, there are critical next steps.

The region must now push for visible industrial anchors — factories for rice, cassava, fisheries and poultry processing. One operational factory can transform an entire local economy. Investors are inspired by proof, not promises.

There must also be accelerated investment in reliable energy and industrial water systems to support manufacturing and agro-processing. Without this, the momentum risks slowing.

Equally important is workforce readiness. The technical and vocational education system must be aligned with the emerging sectors, agro-processing, logistics, ICT and tourism, so that local youth are prepared to take up new jobs.

The media’s role cannot be overstated. If Volta’s success story is not told boldly, consistently and strategically, it will be missed beyond the region. The media must move beyond event-based reporting to development-focused storytelling. Radio, television and digital platforms must amplify the investment narrative of the region, profile opportunities, track progress and spotlight success stories. Media participation is not optional — it is essential.

In many ways, Farmers’ Day builds the production side of the economy. The Volta Fair builds the entrepreneurship and value-addition side. The Economic Forum and GIPC Roadshow build the investment and policy confidence side. Together, they create a complete development chain — grow, process, brand and sell.

Hon. James Gunu deserves commendation for setting this development tone. He is not just administering a region; he is repositioning it.

The Volta Region may not yet have all the factories it deserves, but for the first time in many years, it has a coherent economic story — and that story is being told with clarity, boldness and strategic intent.

If government action, private sector response and strong media partnership continue in harmony, the Volta Region could soon move from unrealised potential to visible prosperity.

And history may record that this transformation began not only with policies, but with platforms, fairs, farmers’ celebrations and a simple but powerful message: “Volta is open for business.“