News
First-ever Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum ends in Nigeria
The inaugural Ghana International Expo and Investment Forum (GIEIF 2025), a landmark initiative by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Judimedia Consult, has ended in Lagos, Nigeria.
The four-day event, brought together business leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators from across West Africa and beyond, to explore trade, tourism, and investment opportunities while strengthening regional cooperation.
It was on the theme: “Unlocking investment potential through Intra-African trade and tourism.”
Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer, GTA, in an interview with the media, described the event as a strategic milestone in Ghana’s push to deepen economic integration and position itself as a regional hub for commerce and responsible tourism.
She said, “In hosting this landmark event, we took a bold step toward fostering regional integration and global partnership. Our presence in the commercial heart of Nigeria underscored our commitment to strengthening the vital economic and cultural ties between our nations and across West Africa.”
She said the forum featured two main components: an international exhibition showcasing products and services from Ghanaian and West African enterprises, and a high-level investment forum, which included two days of panel discussions with ministers, CEOs, policy experts, and global investors.
According to Mrs. Houadjeto, the event serve as a “strategic manifestation” of her vision to position Ghana not only as a world-class travel destination but as a holistic platform for innovation, commerce, and connection.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we leveraged Ghana’s diplomatic network to bring the world to West Africa’s doorstep. GIEIF 2025 became a global platform for dialogue on tourism, investment, and trade,” she said.
The discussions and exhibitions focused on bankable opportunities across key sectors, including Agribusiness, Trade, Technology, Tourism, Energy, and Manufacturing.
Special attention was given to the roles of Ghana and Nigeria as economic drivers within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering access to a combined market of over 1.3 billion people.
A major cultural highlight of the event was the “Culture Exchange Explosion,” which celebrated the rich heritage and traditions of both Ghana and Nigeria through music, cuisine, fashion, and performance, offering participants an immersive networking environment.
“This initiative was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for sustainable development and a call to action for investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders to build lasting partnerships,” Mrs. Houadjeto noted.
She expressed appreciation to the governments and ministries of both Ghana and Nigeria, and to all stakeholders who contributed to the event’s success.
“On behalf of our organizing consortium, and the good people of Ghana and Nigeria, we thank everyone who participated. Let us carry the momentum forward by building the partnerships, investments, and innovations that will drive our shared future,” she said.
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority expressed her deepest and profound appreciation to the exhibitors sponsored by the management of Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).
She also expressed gratitude to the GTA officials who took hold of the opportunity to market and promote Ghana as a unique tourism destination to Nigerians and other nationals.
The GIEIF 2025 was created as a premier trade and investment platform to promote Ghana’s indigenous products, services, and opportunities to an international audience.
The forum aimed to connect entrepreneurs, producers, and investors to drive intra-African trade, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and position Ghana as a key economic player in the region.
Supporting institutions included Ghana’s Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Ghana’s Consulate in Lagos, Ghana Enterprises Agency, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Diaspora Affairs (Office of the President), Ghanaian Community in Lagos, Tour Operators Union of Ghana, Kasapreko Co. Ltd., and Africa World Airlines.
Nigerian partners such as the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, NASSME, NASSI,
NAFDAC, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, and representatives from Africa Movie Awards also played key roles.
The 24 Hour Economy Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan Architectural Design Institute Group to support the planning of the Volta Economic Corridor.
The agreement aims to guide how land within the corridor will be used, design key infrastructure, and develop systems that will support large scale production.
The partnership will focus on detailed planning to make the area ready for investment and smooth business operations.
The project will include the development of agroecological parks, industrial zones, and transport networks to connect production centres to markets.
According to the Authority, proper planning is critical to building strong economic systems and expanding production across the corridor.
It noted that the collaboration with the Chinese design firm will help lay a solid foundation for industrial growth and long term development within the Volta Economic Corridor.
By: Jacob Aggrey
President of the Ghana Bar Association, Efua Ghartey, has called on judges and lawyers to carry out their duties with humility, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility.
She made the appeal during the Supreme Court at 150 celebration held at the University of Ghana, under the theme “Honouring the past, celebrating the present and defining the future.”
Addressing participants, she noted that those in the legal profession occupy positions of great power and influence, and must therefore remain humble in the discharge of their duties.
She urged both the bench and the bar to deliver justice without fear or ill will, stressing the need for fairness in handling cases.
Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, she explained that the year 1876 marks not only the establishment of the Supreme Court but also the beginning of formally trained lawyers in the Gold Coast.
The GBA President questioned what Ghana would be without the rule of law, which is upheld by judges and lawyers, adding that the country could descend into a system where only the strongest survive if justice is not properly administered.
She further encouraged legal practitioners to reflect on their responsibilities and remain committed to upholding the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.
By: Jacob Aggrey
