The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), in collaboration with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), has launched the Seventh Volta Trade and Investment Fair at the premises of Volta Star Textiles Limited (VSTL), in Juapong, North Tongu District, with a renewed call for the revival of the once-thriving textile factory.
The launch, which also introduced the maiden 24-Hour Economy Fair in the region, was held on the theme: “Volta Rising: Building Global Partnerships for a Thriving 24-Hour Economy.”
Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, described the choice of Juapong Textiles as symbolic, noting that it served both as a reminder of Ghana’s industrial heritage and as a rallying point for a new era of economic transformation.
He said the Fair aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Policy, which forms a core part of the 2025 Budget, backed by an initial US$300 million investment and a target of US$4 billion over four years.
“This policy is designed to stimulate industrial growth, create over 1.7 million jobs and position Ghana as a competitive round-the-clock economy. For Volta region, we see enormous opportunities – the revival of Juapong Textiles under a 24-hour model and the development of a 24-Hour Industrial Park in Adaklu on a secured 1,500-acre land to drive manufacturing, logistics and exports,” Mr. Gunu said.
He invited development partners, diplomats and investors to collaborate in advancing this vision, stressing that global partnership would be key to transforming the region into a hub of continuous productivity and innovation.
H.E. Syed Nauzer Idid Bin Syed Yusoff Idid, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Ghana, pledged his country’s support, commending the Fair as “a crucial bridge between Ghana’s readiness and the world.”
He expressed confidence that the event would spark new and lasting collaborations between Ghana, Malaysia, and other international partners.
Mr. Fred Avornyo, CEO of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair, described the event as a model of public-private partnership led by the VRCC and AGI.
He said the Fair would go beyond exhibitions, seeking to position Volta as Ghana’s eastern gateway to the West African market of 400 million people.
“This is not just an event, it is a vision to tackle youth unemployment, expand investment, and open new revenue streams for government,” Mr. Avornyo said.
From agribusiness to tourism, manufacturing to the creative industries, the Fair is designed to create sustainable livelihoods while repositioning Volta in the national and regional economic conversation.
The District Chief Executive of North Tongu, Madam Victoria Amefadzi Yawa Doe, welcomed the initiative, calling it a “bold statement” of North Tongu’s strategic importance.
She highlighted the district’s vast agricultural potential, fertile plains, and strategic location as a gateway between Accra, Eastern, and the Volta Region.
The launch also featured goodwill messages from key partners including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Bank of Ghana, National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Petroleum Commission, and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, all of whom pledged full support. Partners also signed a symbolic endorsement of the Fair.
The Seventh Volta Trade and Investment Fair will take place from November 26 to December 8 in Ho, featuring exhibitions, business-to-business sessions, cultural showcases, investment summits, and tourism promotions.
Volta Star Textiles Ltd., once a leading textile producer since 1968, has faced decades of decline due to obsolete machinery.
Proposals to modernize the factory could see its production capacity rise from 20 million yards annually to 100 million yards, creating at least 1,200 direct jobs and boosting the local economy.
From Michael Foli Jackidy, Juapong
GNA
