Cape coast: The Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC) has launched the fifth edition of the Central Regional Investment, Trade and Tourism Fair (Central Expo 26), an annual event aimed at driving business development and accelerating economic transformation in the region. The seven-day event will showcase the region's economic potential, attracting investors to key sectors of the economy.
According to Ghana News Agency, this year's Central Expo 26 is anticipated to feature over 500 exhibitors and vendors from various regions and attract more than 20,000 patrons. The event will be held at Adisadel College Park in Cape Coast from Monday, August 31, to Sunday, September 06, 2026, under the theme: 'Celebrating Five Years of Advancing Trade, Promoting Tourism and Unlocking Opportunities.' The expo is strategically timed to coincide with the Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival, leveraging its large patronage.
The fair will include a women and youth business empowerment forum, Mobile Money Festival, health walk, medical screening, blood donation, National Health Insurance registrations, and public education by different government agencies. Additional activities comprise clean-up exercises, a float, theatre and comedy night, cooking competition and food festival, cultural music and dance among selected schools, and an awards night.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, emphasized the vast local and international economic opportunities the event presents, urging stakeholders to support the initiative. He advised revising the fair to ensure businesses are equipped with technical skills and receive continuous support for growth beyond the event. Mr. Eduamoah stressed the importance of a proper plan and a data-driven system to monitor exhibitors' growth and provide necessary education, advice, and financial assistance.
He highlighted the need to educate businesses on proper management and office organization, noting that a lack of skills and knowledge is detrimental to small businesses. He cautioned against excessive loans, emphasizing that growing a business requires time, patience, discipline, and strong character. He also warned against mixing business with partisan politics, which he observed was negatively impacting many small businesses in Ghana.
Mr. Eduamoah proposed incorporating the expo as a core activity within the Oguaa Fetu Afahye, underlining its significance for the global audience, not just the Central Region.
Mr. Kofi Nyankah, the fair's consultant, shared success stories from past expos, including international opportunities for exhibitors. He expressed gratitude to stakeholders, including the Regional Minister, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, exhibitors, and sponsors. He assured that efforts would be made to provide exhibitors with maximum exposure, calling for continued support to ensure the event's success.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, praised the progress of the annual fair and encouraged leveraging digital technologies to market the region's culture and business opportunities globally. He agreed to integrate the fair into the Afahye festival next year.
Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, Founder of COA Research and Manufacturing Limited Company, highlighted the role of indigenous businesses in economic development. He stressed the need for deliberate action to connect businesses, investors, and researchers to drive growth and development in the resource-rich region.