20,000 capacity Ghana Trade Fair Convention Centre to be ready next September - Bawumia

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced that the Ghana Trade Fair Convention Centre, a facility with a seating capacity of 20,000, will be completed by September 2025. 

The ambitious project, located in La, Accra, is set to be one of the largest convention centres in the sub-region and a significant boost for Ghana’s tourism and creative arts industries.

During a working visit to the construction site on Monday, November 25, 2024, Dr. Bawumia expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project and highlighted its importance for Ghana’s economic growth. 

"Governments have long sought to bring this project to fruition, and I am happy that we are finally delivering on this crucial infrastructure,” he stated.

Bridging the infrastructure gap in Creative Arts

The Vice President underscored the need for modern infrastructure to support Ghana's burgeoning tourism and creative arts sectors. He lamented the current lack of adequate venues, pointing out that the largest existing auditorium accommodates fewer than 3,000 people, forcing organisers to charge high ticket prices to cover costs. 

“The new 20,000-capacity centre will not only provide a platform for larger audiences but also reduce costs, making events more accessible and profitable for creatives,” Dr. Bawumia explained.

Expanding opportunities

Dr. Bawumia emphasised the centre’s potential to position Ghana as a hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events. He highlighted Ghana’s attractiveness as a destination, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat headquartered in Accra. "With this facility, Ghana can leverage its strategic location to host major trade and cultural events, driving economic growth,” he said.

He also highlighted existing initiatives like "December in Ghana" and "Beyond the Return," noting that the new centre would complement these efforts by creating more opportunities for growth in the tourism and creative arts sectors.

Commitment to timelines

Dr. Bawumia commended the contractors for their progress and pledged to ensure the project meets its eight-month timeline. "The work is very advanced, and all amenities like roads, fibre, water, and electricity are being provided. I am confident we will deliver on this promise,” he said, adding that he hopes to commission the facility as President in September 2025.

The Vice President reassured stakeholders in the creative arts industry of the government’s dedication to addressing their needs. "This facility addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by the industry: adequate space for shows and events,” he said. "In eight months, we will have a world-class facility that will benefit the entire industry.”

Dr. Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, remarked, “This redevelopment is not just a restoration of the past glory of the Trade Fair Centre; it is a bold leap into the future. By integrating world-class infrastructure with Ghana’s heritage, we are creating a space that embodies our nation’s potential.”