Government has reaffirmed its push to position Ghana as a regional investment hub as the Ashanti Expo 2026 opened in Kumasi, with officials outlining plans to deepen trade, support small businesses and expand industrial growth.
Speaking at the opening, Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said the expo forms part of a broader strategy to unlock business opportunities and strengthen Ghana’s appeal to investors under the administration of John Dramani Mahama. “The Ashanti Expo is more than just an event; it’s a critical opportunity to promote culture, commerce, and investment,” Ofosu-Adjare said. “It’s about creating spaces for entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors to connect and grow their businesses.”
The event, themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities in the Golden Heart of Ghana,” brings together stakeholders across agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and trade, reflecting the government’s emphasis on private sector-led growth.
Ofosu-Adjare highlighted policy initiatives including the Feed the Industry Programme, designed to strengthen linkages between agriculture and manufacturing, boost value addition and expand market opportunities. She also pointed to Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, urging businesses to leverage access to the continental market to scale operations beyond domestic borders.
The minister noted efforts to expand participation among women and young entrepreneurs through targeted programs such as the Women and Youth in Business Empowerment Forum and the Pitch-to-Win Enterprise Growth Challenge, which aim to improve access to finance and mentorship. Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene said infrastructure development remains central to unlocking the region’s economic potential, citing progress on key logistics and transport projects.
According to him, work on the Bonkra inland port is expected to enhance trade flows, while construction on the Suame Interchange will resume this week, a project aimed at improving connectivity in one of the country’s key automotive hubs. The expo is expected to serve as a platform for deal-making and partnerships, as Ghana intensifies efforts to attract investment and accelerate industrialization in line with its broader economic agenda.
