The Volta Region has been positioned as Ghana’s next major economic growth hub following the unveiling of an investment roadmap by President of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, at the Volta Economic Forum.
On the theme “Harnessing the Volta Corridor Economic Potential for the 24-Hour Economy Take-off,” Dr. Apetorgbor described the Volta Corridor as a corridor of “possibilities,” ready to anchor the country’s 24-hour economy vision. He emphasized that the region’s unique mix of geography, resources, and policy support makes it a natural choice for sustained investment and industrialization.
“This forum is more than a gathering; it is a call to investors, innovators, and nation-builders to anchor the 24-hour economy in this corridor of possibilities,” he said.
Strategic Advantage
Dr. Apetorgbor noted that the Volta Corridor stands at the crossroads of trade and transformation, combining strategic positioning, rich resources, and strong policy alignment. With access to the Eastern Corridor Road, the Volta Lake transport system, and the Aflao border post, the region provides unmatched connectivity to both domestic and ECOWAS markets.
He further highlighted the corridor’s economic diversity, from fertile agricultural belts and aquaculture zones to salt mining, light manufacturing, and tourism, all supported by national policies such as the 24-hour economy agenda, GIPC incentives, and the Ministry of Agriculture’s value chain initiatives.
“The Volta Corridor’s potential is not abstract. It is practical, measurable, and backed by real economic data. What remains is execution,” Dr. Apetorgbor emphasized.
Investment Opportunities
The Volta Corridor’s development framework is built around five interlinked economic sectors designed to operate continuously under the 24-hour model.
In agro-processing, districts such as Adaklu, Ho West, Akatsi South, and Ketu North already produce significant volumes of cassava, maize, groundnuts, and poultry. These areas are ready for investment in processing facilities and logistics systems, with estimated project sizes ranging between GHS 12 million and GHS 35 million.
The blue economy presents another high-growth area, centered around Anloga, Keta, and Ketu South. These districts offer aquaculture and fish processing opportunities, cold chain hubs, and seafood export potential, with investments estimated between GHS 15 million and GHS 38 million.
The tourism and cultural economy is a natural strength of the Volta Region, with Afadjato South, Hohoe, and Pandu offering rich ecotourism circuits of lakes, mountains, waterfalls, and heritage sites. Investments in tourism infrastructure are projected between GHS 22 million and GHS 40 million, with strong prospects for night tourism, hospitality expansion, and event-driven businesses.
In ICT, light manufacturing, and urban services, the Ho Municipality stands as the administrative and innovation hub of the region. With over 200 active SMEs, the area offers investment opportunities ranging from GHS 40 million to GHS 65 million for industrial parks, ICT hubs, and service clusters.
The logistics and border trade sector in Ketu South and North Tongu anchors the corridor’s trade infrastructure. The plan envisions bonded warehouses, dry ports, and retail distribution centers worth GHS 25 million to GHS 95 million, aimed at improving customs efficiency, cargo handling, and cross-border trade.
Regional Data and Economic Readiness
Dr. Apetorgbor presented specific data to highlight the corridor’s readiness for immediate investment. Adaklu produces 40,000 metric tons of cassava and 20,000 metric tons of maize annually. Afadjato South produces 9,000 metric tons of cocoa. Anloga records salt output of 200,000 metric tons each year, while Ho has more than 200 SMEs ready for expansion. Ketu South’s border trade volume exceeds GHS 500 million annually, and the Tongu belt produces 40,000 metric tons of rice per year.
“These numbers represent live opportunities for investors to turn potential into profit and jobs into prosperity,” he said.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Dr. Apetorgbor announced that the Volta Corridor Investment Secretariat would work with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI), Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) to facilitate partnerships. These collaborations aim to turn discussions into signed term sheets, joint ventures, and memoranda of understanding.
He urged investors to co-create with district assemblies and traditional leaders to align projects with local strengths and development goals. Early movers, he assured, would receive “fast-track facilitation, investment intelligence, and structured aftercare.”
“We invite investors to sit with our MMDAs, traditional authorities, and entrepreneurs to shape the project landscape to fit their strategies,” he said.
Call to Action
In closing, Dr. Apetorgbor called on stakeholders to move beyond identifying opportunities to implementing projects that generate jobs and revenue. He reiterated that the Volta Corridor is fully open for business and stands ready to power Ghana’s 24-hour economy.
“The Volta Corridor is open for business. It is ready to power Ghana’s 24-hour economy take-off. Let us sign, build, and grow together,” he declared.
The Volta Corridor’s blueprint represents a concrete shift from promise to practice, one that integrates production from Oti, processing from Volta, and exports through Tema and Aflao. For investors, it signals a ready environment with data-backed projects, policy clarity, and an ambitious leadership committed to sustainable growth.
