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Dr Elikplim K. Apetorgbor, Lead Convener of the Volta Economic Forum, announced that the Volta Region has transitioned from merely marketing its potential to executing real investments that generate jobs and shared prosperity. During his address in Ho, the regional capital, at the Forum's 2026 theme of "From Opportunity Showcase to Investment Execution," Apetorgbor emphasized the shift to closing deals rather than just showcasing opportunities.

He noted that while the Volta Region boasts resources in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, energy, transport, manufacturing, and infrastructure, these alone do not transform economies. He stressed that resources require capital, credible projects, enabling institutions, strategic partnerships, and disciplined execution. Apetorgbor revealed that the inaugural edition in 2025 at Anloga, which focused on showcasing opportunities, has already produced successful outcomes, including a sisal farming project, aquaculture development, interest in ceramics, and a beach resort.

To further consolidate these gains, Apetorgbor proposed two institutional mechanisms. The first is the establishment of the Volta Development Advisory Council, a high-level multidisciplinary body led by Togbe Afede XIV to provide strategic guidance and shape a grounded development strategy. The second proposal is the Volta Economic Embassy initiative, a coordinated investment-promotion platform operating through Ghana’s diplomatic missions to market the region, identify investors, and promote bankable projects.

Apetorgbor urged participants not to leave with only speeches, photographs, and handshakes but with tangible projects, partnerships, financing pathways, responsibilities, and timelines. He emphasized that the success of the Forum should be measured by capital mobilized, businesses established, projects implemented, and jobs created.

Volta Regional Minister Mr James Gunu stressed that the task now is to move beyond identifying and showcasing opportunities to converting them into actual investments that create jobs, grow businesses, and improve livelihoods.