Vice President and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, today paid a significant working visit to the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre to inspect progress on its historic redevelopment. The Vice President, accompanied by members of the creative arts industry and high-ranking government officials, was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, Dr. Agnes Adu.

This visit underscores the commitment of the NPP government to advancing Ghana’s economic, trade, and creative sectors through visionary infrastructure projects.

Addressing Critical Needs in the Creative Arts Sector

A key highlight of the redevelopment is the construction of a state-of-the-art, 20,000-capacity Convention Centre, directly addressing the longstanding need for world-class venues in the creative arts sector. This facility, designed to accommodate a wide range of events, reinforces Ghana’s position as a hub for creativity, trade, and innovation.

Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the importance of the project to the creative arts, stating:

“One of the critical needs of the creative arts industry is the availability of modern, functional venues. This redevelopment, with its 20,000-capacity Convention Centre, is a game-changer. It demonstrates our commitment to not only promoting the arts but also creating spaces that can compete with the best globally.”

Key Features of the Convention Centre

Pre-Event Lobby

The Convention Centre’s 5,000-square-meter pre-event lobby will feature:

•A restaurant for casual dining

•A Made in Ghana gift shop to promote local craftsmanship

•A forex bureau for financial convenience

•Lounge seating for relaxation

•A guest check-in and information desk to enhance visitor experience

Event Spaces

The event spaces are designed for versatility and scale:

•A 20,000-capacity multifunctional space suitable for concerts, exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs

•Flexible seating options, including stadium, conference, and meeting-style layouts

•The ability to partition the space into four halls of 2,500 square meters each, enabling simultaneous events.

This facility is expected to be completed by June 2025 and will set a new standard for event hosting in Ghana and beyond.

The Trade Fair Redevelopment: A Master Plan for Ghana’s Future.

The Convention Centre is part of a broader redevelopment plan aimed at transforming the Ghana Trade Fair Centre into a world-class, multipurpose complex. Key components of the master plan include:

•A luxury hotel to accommodate international and local guests

•A modern retail mall offering shopping and leisure opportunities

•A state-of-the-art data center to bolster Ghana’s technological capabilities

•The AfCFTA Secretariat, reinforcing Ghana’s position as the commercial hub of Africa

•A Made in Ghana Pavilion, promoting local industries and craftsmanship

•Recreational and amusement spaces, creating a vibrant community for residents and visitors

The redevelopment is poised to generate over 10,000 permanent jobs and contribute $150 million annually to Ghana’s economy. Developers are set to begin construction on additional components in 2025, further solidifying Ghana’s leadership in trade and commerce.

Leadership, Vision, and Progress

During his visit, Vice President Bawumia highlighted the pivotal role of leadership in driving this transformative project. He praised the exceptional efforts of Dr. Agnes Adu and her team for their dedication to delivering a facility that embodies Ghana’s ambitions.

Dr. Bawumia also commended the unwavering leadership of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whose vision has been instrumental in overcoming challenges to bring this project to fruition.

“This project is a testament to the bold leadership of President Akufo-Addo and the resilience of the Ghanaian spirit. It represents what we can achieve when we work together with determination and purpose,” Dr. Bawumia stated.

Call for Continuity in Leadership

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the Vice President underscored the importance of continuity in leadership to sustain and expand upon these transformative initiatives. He urged Ghanaians to support the NPP to ensure that projects like the Trade Fair Centre redevelopment are fully realized for the benefit of all citizens.

“This redevelopment is a legacy project, one that will position Ghana as a leader in trade, innovation, and the creative arts. To build on this momentum, we need steady leadership and vision, and I am committed to seeing this through to completion,” Dr. Bawumia concluded.

A New Era for Ghana

The redeveloped Ghana Trade Fair Centre will not only be a physical landmark but also a symbol of progress, resilience, and ambition. Its June 2025 opening will mark a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey toward economic and cultural prominence on the global stage.

Sompaonline.com/Nana Yaw Boamah