Volta Economic Forum Highlights Region’s Role in Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Vision
The Volta Economic Forum was held on Friday, 1st November 2025, at the Reddington Beach Resort in Wuti, Volta Region, under the theme “Harnessing the Volta Economic Corridor Potentials for 24-Hour Economy Policy Take-Off.”
The 24-Hour Economy policy, one of the major campaign promises in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto, received strong public support due to its focus on reducing youth unemployment and boosting national productivity. The policy aims to promote around-the-clock business operations to increase production and create sustainable jobs across the country.
Friday’s forum brought together business owners, investors, traditional leaders, and policymakers to explore and promote the economic opportunities within the Volta Region.
In his opening address, Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu described the Volta corridor as “the boiling pot” of President John Dramani Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy agenda. According to him, the corridor is one of Ghana’s most strategically endowed development zones, serving as a key intersection for trade, energy, agriculture, tourism, and innovation.
“From the Aflao border through the Keta Lagoon Basin to Ho, and from Kpando to the Oti interface, our geography connects markets,” he emphasized.
Hon. Gunu stated that the region is actively repositioning itself as a strategic economic corridor to support the 24-Hour Economy vision. He explained that the agenda challenges stakeholders to expand productivity and ensure reliable energy to drive infrastructure development, manufacturing, and sustainable job creation—particularly for the youth and women.
He highlighted that the forum provides a crucial platform for collaboration among government agencies, investors, traditional authorities, and development partners.
According to him, districts within the region have profiled over 50 investment-ready projects across various sectors, including agro-processing, aquaculture, eco-tourism, logistics, ICT, and renewable energy. The VRCC, he said, is working closely with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat to ensure that these business opportunities are viable, well-supported, and sustainable.
He encouraged investors to see the Volta Region as a destination where enterprises can thrive long-term, adding that authorities are committed to translating discussions into real economic development for the people.
Speaking at the forum, Dr. Elikplim Afetorgbor reiterated the region’s strong potential to drive Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy. He described the gathering as a strategic call to investors, innovators, and nation-builders to anchor the policy within the Volta corridor.
Dr. Afetorgbor outlined three key reasons the region is uniquely positioned to support the 24-Hour Economy:
- Strategic Transportation Links:
The Eastern Corridor Road, Lake Volta transport system, and the Aflao Border post place the region at a major gateway for national and international trade. - Strong Local Market Base:
The region’s agricultural and fisheries value chains—spanning cocoa, cassava, fisheries, and more—provide essential raw materials for industry. - Policy Alignment and Incentives:
The 24-Hour Economy agenda, VRCC incentives, and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s value chain interventions create a supportive and enabling environment for investment.
He further identified five economic pillars within the region capable of fueling the 24-Hour Economy policy:
- Pillar A: Agro-Processing & Food Systems
Opportunities in Adaklu, Central Tongu, Ho West, Akatsi North, Akatsi South, and Ketu North, focusing on cassava, maize, and groundnut. - Pillar B: The Blue Economy
Aquaculture, cold chain development, and coastal value addition in Anloga, Keta, Ketu South, and lakeside districts. - Pillar C: Cultural & Tourism Economy
Attractions and cultural assets in Afadzato South, Hohoe, Kpando, and surrounding communities. - Pillar D: Light Manufacturing, ICT & Business Processing
Investment opportunities within Ho Municipality. - Pillar E: Logistics, Warehousing & Border Trade
Prospects in Ketu South and North Tongu.
The Chairman of the Forum, Togbe Nyaho Tamakloe, stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy. He noted that the Volta Region is the second-largest producer of rice in the country and a major hub for maize, cassava, and vegetable production. However, he added that infrastructural challenges continue to limit the region from reaching its full agricultural potential.
