Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on November 25, 2024, visited the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre to inspect progress on its transformative redevelopment project.
The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to revitalizing Ghana’s trade and creative sectors through ambitious infrastructure development.
The occasion attracted notable stakeholders, including businessman McDan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mark Okraku-Mantey, and CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority Akwasi Agyemang.
Members of the creative arts industry such as Andy Dosty, Kalybos, Diana Asamoah, Koka, George Quaye, and Socrates Safo also graced the event, signalling support for the initiative.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the importance of the project, particularly the 20,000-capacity Convention Centre at its heart, describing it as a “game-changer” for the creative arts industry.
He noted that the facility addresses the longstanding need for modern venues and positions Ghana as a leader in innovation and cultural expression.
The Convention Centre, which is set to be completed by June 2025, will include a 5,000-square-meter pre-event lobby with a Made in Ghana gift shop, restaurant, forex bureau, and lounge seating.
Nonetheless, its multifunctional event space will cater to concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and trade fairs, with the capacity to host up to 20,000 attendees or partition into smaller halls for simultaneous events.
“This ambitious redevelopment is part of a broader vision to transform the Trade Fair Centre into a world-class multipurpose complex,” Dr Bawumia said.
The project will feature a luxury hotel, modern retail mall, Made in Ghana Pavilion, state-of-the-art data centre, AfCFTA Secretariat, and recreational spaces.
Once completed, it is expected to generate over 10,000 permanent jobs and contribute $150 million annually to Ghana’s economy.
Additionally, Dr. Bawumia commended Dr. Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, and her team for their dedication to delivering a facility that aligns with Ghana’s aspirations.
He also lauded the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for initiating the project and overcoming challenges to bring it to fruition.
As the 2024 elections approach, Dr. Bawumia called for continuity in leadership to ensure the project’s completion and the realization of similar transformative initiatives.
He assured Ghanaians of his commitment to seeing the redevelopment through, emphasizing its potential to position Ghana as a leader in trade, innovation, and the creative arts.