Ghana Districts: A repository of all Local Assemblies in Ghana

GENERAL

Eastern Expo opens in Koforidua to drive trade, tourism and investment

The Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua, has come alive with the opening of the Eastern Expo 2026, an initiative aimed at creating a platform for businesses, investors and tourism operators to showcase the region’s economic potential.

Date Created : 9/29/2026 12:00:00 AM : Story Author : Susana Danso/ Ghanadistricts.com

The Expo, being held under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment,” forms part of activities marking this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations in the region.

The event, which officially opened on Monday, September 28, 2026, is bringing together businesses, exhibitors, tourism operators, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to promote products, services and investment opportunities within the Eastern Region.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mr Sampson Ahi, said the Expo presented an opportunity for the region to move beyond showcasing its resources to creating practical economic opportunities for its people.

He said the Eastern Region had considerable potential in areas including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, trade and services, and called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to transform those opportunities into jobs and improved livelihoods.

Mr Ahi noted that the region had already attracted significant investments over the years, stressing the need to create an enabling environment that would encourage more investors to establish businesses in the region.

He urged prospective investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the region and work with local authorities and businesses to create mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, said the Expo was an important opportunity to position the region as a destination for tourism and investment.

She said the region's natural attractions, cultural heritage and business opportunities could contribute significantly to local economic development if properly developed and marketed.

The Expo is also placing emphasis on the use of technology to promote tourism, with discussions around digital platforms and artificial intelligence as tools for improving the visibility and accessibility of tourism destinations.

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, called for greater adoption of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, online booking platforms, digital payments and social media, to make Ghanaian tourism destinations easier to discover and access.

The Expo is expected to provide exhibitors with opportunities to market their products and services, establish business contacts and interact with potential customers and investors.

It is also expected to give local businesses and tourism operators an avenue to promote their enterprises while exposing visitors to the diverse attractions, products and cultural heritage of the Eastern Region.

The Eastern Expo runs from September 26 to October 3, 2026, with exhibitions, seminars and other activities forming part of the programme.