Volta Economic Forum shifts focus from investment promises to projects, jobs and capital

The Volta Region is adapting its approach to economic development, with the 2026 Volta Economic Forum shifting focus from investment pitches to converting those opportunities into tangible projects, businesses, jobs, and income. Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Elikplim Afetorgbor, the Forum's chairman, explained that the region has proven its economic potential enough and must now concentrate on turning identified opportunities into actual investments.

The theme "From Opportunity Showcase to Investment Execution" highlights the need for a more disciplined investment pipeline that links bankable projects in the region with investors, financial institutions, and strategic partners. Although the region holds considerable opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, fisheries, energy, transport, manufacturing, real estate, and infrastructure, Dr Afetorgbor stressed that mere opportunities and natural resources are not enough to transform the regional economy.

He emphasized the need for capital, credible projects, enabling institutions, strategic partnerships, and sustained execution. Early investments suggest a possible shift in the region's economic focus, with projects like the Zonda Showroom, a 500-acre sisal farming project, aquaculture development, Kpando's white clay for ceramics, and the Zen Palms Beach Resort and SPA in Keta indicating that properly identified and packaged opportunities can move from discussions to investment commitments and implementation.

Among the proposed changes is the establishment of a Volta Development Advisory Council, a high-level, multidisciplinary body tasked with providing strategic direction for the region's economic development. The Council would comprise representatives from traditional leadership, public policy, business, finance, industry, law, education, civil society, and development sectors.

Another proposal involves creating a Volta Economic Embassy initiative through Ghana's diplomatic missions, which would market investment opportunities in the Volta Region, identify investors, and connect them to credible projects. Dr Afetorgbor emphasized that the Forum is challenging traditional measures of success, urging stakeholders to focus on capital mobilized, businesses established, projects implemented, jobs created, and economic value generated in the region.