Eastern Expo 2026 Launched in Koforidua to Boost Trade, Tourism and Investment

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has officially launched the maiden Eastern Expo 2026, describing it as a strategic platform to position the region as Ghana’s hub for trade, tourism, and investment.

The launch took place in Koforidua on Monday, July 28, 2026, ahead of the main exhibition scheduled for September.

Addressing stakeholders, Mrs. Awatey said trade has historically been one of the greatest catalysts for economic transformation, citing global platforms such as the Intra-African Trade Fair and Ghana’s International Trade Fair as examples of how exhibitions can stimulate commerce and open new markets.

“It is in this context that the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, conceived Eastern Expo 2026; not merely as an annual exhibition, but as the regional launchpad for local economic development,” she stated.

The Expo, themed “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment,” is scheduled to run from September 26 to October 3, 2026, in Koforidua.

Positioning Eastern Region for Growth

The Regional Minister noted that the Eastern Region is strategically positioned to lead Ghana’s economic agenda due to its fertile agricultural lands, natural resources, and proximity to Accra.

She highlighted iconic tourism sites, including the Boti Falls, Aburi Botanical Gardens, Kwahu Mountains, and the Akosombo Dam, as key attractions that can be leveraged to attract investment.

Mrs. Awatey also outlined government interventions under President John Dramani Mahama aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses. These include:

• The Afram River Bridge to provide permanent access to the Afram Plains and reduce transportation costs for farmers.

• A pilot Farmer Services Centre at Takoratwene in Kwahu Afram Plains South to serve as a one-stop agricultural hub.

• A proposed Food and Beverages Industrial Park in Kwahu to create thousands of jobs.

• A proposed airstrip and convention centre in Kwahu to host international conferences and tourism events.

• Construction of 24-hour model markets across assemblies in the region.

“This is how we move from talk to action. This is how we Reset Ghana from the Eastern Region,” she said.

Call to Action for Stakeholders

The Minister urged financial institutions to use the Expo as an opportunity to identify “bankable businesses ready to scale up” and called on investors to partner with the region to establish processing industries for cocoa, oil palm, citrus, cassava, and vegetables.

She also charged Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to mobilise businesses, cooperatives, artisans, and farmer groups to register as exhibitors.

“Eastern Expo 2026 is not a one-off event. It is the foundation of a sustainable trade platform that will propel businesses to operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to create jobs and wealth,” Mrs. Awatey added.

She expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, development partners, traditional authorities, and the media for their support.

“From 26th September to 3rd October 2026, Koforidua will become the business capital of Ghana. Let us fill the exhibition grounds with innovation, products, and services to communicate the Eastern brand,” she declared before officially launching the Expo.