Trade Fair project to transform creative arts industry: Set for completion in 8 months

By Kizito CUDJOE

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed optimism about the Ghana Trade Fair Convention and Exhibition Centre – a state-of-the-art facility, nearing completion, which he believes will drive significant growth in the country’s creative arts and tourism sectors.

The 20,000-seat capacity facility, being developed through a public-private partnership (PPP), is set to become the country’s largest venue for hosting concerts, exhibitions, conferences and cultural events. During a site visit to the Trade Fair Centre in La, Accra, contractors assured the Vice President that the project remains on track for completion within the next eight months.

Dr. Bawumia, in brief remarks, emphasised the importance of the project, stating that it would not only revitalise the creative arts sector but also position Ghana as a premier destination for cultural and creative events in the region. “This is a much-needed project. Tourism and creative arts are key pillars for the growth of our economy; but achieving that requires the right infrastructure to support the industry”.

He highlighted that limited venue capacity has historically driven up event costs, resulting in higher ticket prices and reduced attendance. The new facility, he noted, would alleviate these challenges while creating numerous opportunities for artists, event organisers and the broader industry.

The Vice President also praised the PPP model driving the project, calling it a sustainable approach to infrastructure development that aligns with his vision of leveraging private sector participation to accelerate economic growth.

The Trade Fair Convention Centre will feature a multi-purpose 20,000-capacity event hall, a 5,000-square-metr pre-event lobby with restaurants, gift shops, lounges and a retail mall. The site will also house a hotel, data centre and the permanent secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), solidifying the country’s status as a regional trade hub.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Trade Fair Company, Dr. Agnes Adu, recounted the challenges encountered since the project’s inception in 2017. However, she noted that significant progress in infrastructure development, including roads, water systems and fibre networks, have been made since the project resumed. She emphasised the centre’s versatility, predicting it would become the region’s premier trade and event destination, with particular benefits for the creative arts and tourism industries.

Upon completion, she indicated that the facility would strengthen Ghana’s capacity to host international conferences, exhibitions and large-scale cultural events, further enhancing its global profile.

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