George Quaye, President of the Arts and Tourism Writers Association of Ghana (ATWAG), recently visited the ongoing redevelopment of the Ghana Trade Fair site. Dr. Agnes Adu, CEO of Ghana Trade Fair Limited, guided him and members of the media through the site, highlighting the modern upgrades underway, which include convention centers, hotels, and exhibition spaces.
The project aims to transform the venue into a world-class hub for trade and cultural events, with completion expected in three years, significantly enhancing Ghana’s international trade and tourism profile.
Dr. Adu shared details about the project’s timeline, scope, and expected impact, drawing comparisons to internationally renowned venues such as London’s O2 Arena and New York’s Javits Center. The redevelopment includes a state-of-the-art convention and exhibition center, hotels, conference halls, restaurants, retail spaces, and a designated area for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“We are constructing Ghana’s major convention center, covering about 20,000 to 30,000 square meters of indoor space, fully serviced and air-conditioned, like the O2 Arena or Javits Center,” Dr. Adu explained. The new facility will offer flexibility, with a 10,000-square-meter exhibition hall and convention center capable of accommodating up to 30,000 people in a standing-room configuration, as well as seating arrangements for events, weddings, and stadium seating.
Additionally, the project will feature a grand lobby of 5,000 square meters, housing a restaurant, a gift shop offering locally made products, a Forex bureau, and other amenities. Dr. Adu emphasized that the redevelopment will establish the Ghana Trade Fair as a leading destination for regional and international events, boosting Ghana’s economic and cultural standing.
“This facility will bring Accra onto the global stage, enabling us to host world-class events while supporting local businesses and tourism,” she remarked.
The redevelopment is also aligned with Ghana’s broader economic goals, echoing President Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for the trade fair to drive international trade and promote pan-African unity. Construction began in 2020, with significant progress on infrastructure such as roads, power, and drainage. Despite delays between 2020 and 2022, construction has resumed in full force, with multiple contractors on-site. As work continues, industry stakeholders remain optimistic about the transformative impact this redevelopment will have on the nation and the region.