The Central Regional Coordinating Council (CRCC) has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Central Regional Trade, Tourism and Fair, dubbed EXPO’25 in Cape Coast.
The event brought together dignitaries, traditional leaders, stakeholders, partners, and members of the business community in a colorful ceremony.
The program began with a rich cultural display and a procession of invited guests, setting the tone for what promises to be a significant milestone in the region’s developmental journey.
In a rousing documentary and address, the Hon. Regional Minister, Hon. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, officially launched EXPO’25. He emphasized the inclusion of entertainment and innovation as part of this year’s agenda and called on all stakeholders to bring their skills and experience to ensure the success of the event.
The Regional Coordinating Director for the Central Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Bless Kwame Darkey, welcomed all present and described the Expo as a platform for cultural understanding and regional development. He stressed the importance of using the Expo to attract investment into Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and encouraged increased awareness for the upcoming event.
The Chairman Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta II, the Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area urged all stakeholders to commit wholeheartedly to making the 2025 Expo a success in his opening remarks.
“In all this we are doing, we are to put in our maximum effort to sell out the region to be one of the richest in the country,” he emphasized, calling for unity and dedication.
The Consultant for the Central EXPO’25, Mr. Kofi Yankah expressed gratitude to the Steering Committee, partners, and sponsors—both past and present. He shared highlights from previous expo’s, including reports from exhibitors and the role of “mystery shoppers,” who will be recognized and awarded after the event. Mr Yankah called on business partners to come on board to support the region in organizing a successful Expo this year.
A statement from the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, acknowledged the consistency and growth of the Central Expo from 2022 to 2025. He applauded the organizers for their continued innovation and emphasized the need to keep improving to ensure future success.
The guest speaker, Mr. Edwin Ambruce, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), commended the Expo’s inclusive nature, noting that exhibitors are drawn from across the country. He underscored the power of networking during such events and called on all stakeholders to support in kind and in cash. GEPA presented a cheque of GH¢100,000 in support of EXPO’25.
The CEO of COA Research and Manufacturing Company, Professor. Samuel Ato Duncan, also pledged support for the Expo. He spoke about their ongoing research efforts in the region and called for institutional backing. COA Research presented a cheque of GH¢100,000 and gave a brief presentation on their discovered medicine that cures HIV/AIDS.
Sponsors also took turns to express their support. Atlantic Lithium highlighted their role in the region’s development and pledged continued collaboration. Ridge Royal Hotel announced support in the form of accommodation for guests during the Expo, while the National Insurance Authority donated GH¢50,000 to the cause.
The event featured a presentation of the event outline, a cultural performance, and a fundraising segment to generate additional support for the Expo.
The Chairman; Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta II once again commended the organizers, sponsors, and all participants for their commitment and contributions in his closing remarks.He stressed the importance of maintaining the momentum leading to the main Expo event and urged all stakeholders to continue working together to deliver an outstanding experience. “Let us not rest here. The launch is only the beginning. Let us all go back and continue to work with passion, purpose, and pride to make EXPO’25 the best the Central Region has ever seen,” he concluded.
The successful launch of EXPO’25 marks a major step forward in the Central Region’s quest to promote investment, trade, and tourism, reinforcing the region’s readiness to position itself as a key economic hub in Ghana.
