The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has pledged government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses at the official opening of the Ashanti Expo 2026 in Kumasi.
The event, held on Monday, April 6, is themed “Unlocking Business Opportunities in the Golden Heart of Ghana” and is positioned as a strategic platform to drive investment, enhance trade and support the growth of small and medium enterprises across the country.
Addressing participants, the Minister highlighted the Expo as a vital avenue for unlocking new business opportunities while promoting Ghana as a preferred investment destination. She stressed that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, efforts are underway to strengthen the country’s standing in global trade and investment.
She pointed to the Feed the Industry Programme as a key initiative aimed at linking agriculture to industry, enhancing value addition and expanding opportunities within both sectors.
Describing the Expo as a critical platform, the Minister noted that it provides opportunities for entrepreneurs, farmers and investors to connect, collaborate and grow their businesses while also promoting Ghanaian culture and commerce.
She further highlighted Ghana’s strategic advantage as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, urging businesses to take advantage of the continental market to expand their operations across Africa.
The Minister also underscored the importance of empowering youth and women in business, citing initiatives such as the Women and Youth in Business Empowerment Forum and the Pitch-to-Win Enterprise Growth Challenge as avenues providing access to finance, mentorship and market opportunities.
She commended the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, as well as the planning committee for the successful organisation of the maiden edition of the Expo, and encouraged stakeholders to actively participate.
The Expo has attracted participants from sectors including agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and trade, serving as a platform to showcase the region’s economic potential and advance the government’s industrialisation and private sector development agenda.
In his remarks, Dr. Amoakohene reaffirmed government’s commitment to infrastructure development, highlighting progress on the Bonkra Inland Port project, which is expected to enhance trade in the region.
He also announced that work on the Suame Interchange will resume this week, a development anticipated to improve transport infrastructure in the Suame enclave and boost commercial activity.
