Gov’t developing Volta Economic Corridor to boost regional trade
Government is developing the Volta Economic Corridor, an initiative that will integrate agriculture, manufacturing, aquaculture, logistics, inland water transport, renewable energy, tourism and export-led industrialisation across the Volta Region.
President John Dramani Mahama said this during the sod-cutting ceremony for a 24-hour economy market at Juapong on Thursday.
“Our vision for the Volta Region goes beyond individual projects. Under the 24-hour economy initiative, we are developing the Volta Economic Corridor, which will integrate agriculture, manufacturing, aquaculture, logistics, inland water transport, renewable energy, tourism and export-led industrialisation,” he noted.
He noted that the goal was to create an economic ecosystem where production, processing, transportation and trade would support each other.
“Communities such as Juapong will become important commercial and industrial centres within this corridor,” he said.
He said Juapong’s location along the Volta River, its history of industry, agriculture and commerce, gave it the potential to become an even stronger gateway for trade and investment.
He added the surrounding communities were home to hardworking farmers who produced maize, cassava, rice, vegetables and other food crops that contributed greatly to Ghana’s food security, and that these productive capacities, combined with Juapong’s industrial heritage and transport connections, provided a strong foundation for economic growth.
President Mahama said the corridor formed part of government’s flagship 24-hour economy programme to construct model markets in all 261 districts of Ghana, with all 18 districts in the Volta Region set to benefit.
He said the corridor would be strengthened by the revitalisation of Volta Star Textiles Limited and continued support for communities affected by the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, describing these together with the new market project as representing a new phase in the development of Juapong.
“The transformation we seek is not only about infrastructure. It is about creating opportunities for people, strengthening local economies and ensuring that communities have the facilities needed to prosper,” he said.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
