Ghana EXIMBANK Pledges Support for Volta Region’s Economic Growth
Mr. Sylvester Adinam Mensah, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana EXIMBANK, has highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting the economic development of the Volta Region. He emphasized that the bank is ready to finance value-added enterprises and promote projects that leverage the region’s natural advantages.
Speaking at a Volta Economic Forum held in Whuti, Mr. Mensah pointed out that the region is known for its rich tourism potential, strong agricultural base, and growing focus on renewable energy. Additionally, the region is witnessing the development of infrastructure projects like the Volta Economic Corridor, an initiative aimed at transforming Lake Volta into a logistics and industrial hub.
He stated that while these factors position the Volta Region as one of Ghana’s most promising growth frontiers, deliberate efforts are necessary to unlock its full potential. Mr. Mensah reiterated that Ghana EXIMBANK stands ready to provide support in this endeavor.
He added: “Realising the full potential of the region will require deliberate policy interventions, targeted investments, and effective partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable and inclusive growth. In this effort, the Ghana EXIMBANK stands ready to support by financing value-added enterprises and promoting projects that can convert the region’s natural advantages into strong business opportunities that can compete internationally and drive export growth.”
Key Sectors for Strategic Investment
Mr. Mensah outlined several key sectors for strategic investment, which include agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and creative economy, renewable energy and green infrastructure, trade, logistics, and industrial services, human capital and skills development, and the digital and innovation ecosystem. He pledged the bank’s support for these areas.
He explained that the mandate of Ghana EXIMBANK, established in 2016 to accelerate value addition, promote export competitiveness, and strengthen local manufacturing, aligns directly with the needs of the Volta Region. The bank is uniquely positioned to provide patient capital for agriculture, agro-industrial, and renewable energy ventures.
The bank aims to support feasibility and technical studies for investment readiness, facilitate private–public partnerships that deliver infrastructure and value-chain solutions, champion export-oriented enterprises through financing, capacity building, and trade facilitation. It also plans to support the tourism and hospitality sector through targeted financing for eco-lodges, cultural heritage sites, and lake-based tourism initiatives that can generate employment, stimulate local economies, and enhance the Volta Region’s appeal as a sustainable investment destination. Additionally, it will support business sustainability through digitalization.
Vision for Sustainable Development
Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Volta Region’s Representative on the National Development Planning Commission, who conceived the investment-focused Volta Economic Forum, expressed his desire for actualization of investment in the region. He noted that the days of merely discussing potentials and opportunities in the region are over.
He said: “All these opportunities should translate into real investment – investment in agriculture, investment in renewable energy for example. Before the year ends, we will be seeing some actions. Some investors have started expressing interest in some opportunities. This will address the brain drain where our people leave the region for jobs. Other people should also come to our region. Even I want to come back home.”
Mr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta Region’s representative on the Council of State, remarked:
“It is my firm conviction that this would not be a talk as usual. We need to be action-oriented and deliberate about translating ideas into tangible results that will uplift the lives of our people.”
A Platform for Economic Collaboration
The maiden Volta Economic Forum attracted a wide range of participants, including investors, government officials, and sons and daughters of the land. The event provided a platform for discussions on the vast economic potentials of the region. Conversations focused on how to harness the region’s natural resources, talents, and unique position to drive sustainable development and create more opportunities for the youth.