The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a thriving environment for businesses during the official opening of the Ashanti Expo 2026 in Kumasi on Monday, April 6.
The Expo, under the theme “Unlocking Business Opportunities in the Golden Heart of Ghana,” aims to be a strategic platform to foster investment, boost trade, and support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the nation.
Addressing participants, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the importance of the Expo in unlocking new business opportunities and promoting Ghana as a hub for investment.
She affirmed that under the leadership of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, the government is focused on strengthening the nation’s position as a preferred destination for trade and investment. One of the key initiatives, the Feed the Industry Programme, was emphasized for its role in connecting agriculture with industry, adding value and expanding opportunities in these sectors.
“The Ashanti Expo is more than just an event; it’s a critical opportunity to promote culture, commerce, and investment,” Hon. Ofosu-Adjare stated. “It’s about creating spaces for entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors to connect and grow their businesses.”
The Hon. Minister lauded Ghana’s strategic positioning as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, She encouraged businesses to leverage this advantage to access the continental market and expand their operations across Africa.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare also underscored the importance of supporting youth and women in business. She pointed out that initiatives such as the Women and Youth in Business Empowerment Forum and the Pitch-to-Win Enterprise Growth Challenge are designed to provide these groups with access to finance, mentorship, and valuable market opportunities.
The Hon. Minister also took the opportunity to commend the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Planning Committee for the successful organization of the Expo’s maiden edition. She encouraged all stakeholders to patronize the event, which will unlock tremendous benefits in the coming years.
The Expo has attracted key stakeholders from various sectors, including agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism, and trade. It serves as a platform to showcase the region’s strengths and reinforce the government’s agenda to drive economic growth through industrialization and private sector development.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, also spoke at the event, stressing the government’s dedication to infrastructure development, particularly the completion of the Bonkra inland port project, which will facilitate trade in the region.
He also mentioned that work on the Suame Interchange will resume this week, a project expected to significantly improve the automobile infrastructure in Suame and boost regional commerce.
