24-Hour Economy: Government to develop 1.5GW solar power project Tanoh

Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Dr Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has announced that government is co-developing up to 1.5 gigawatts of utility-scale solar power backed by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to provide affordable and reliable energy for industrial growth.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Build Show, Ghana Investment & Trade Week (GITW) 2026 and Megawatt Africa in Accra, Dr Tanoh said construction of the first 100-megawatt solar facility is expected to begin next month.

He noted that the project will help reduce electricity costs for industries and improve the competitiveness of Ghana's manufacturing sector.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Presidency, Dr Tanoh said the government's 24-Hour Economy programme is aimed at transforming Ghana into a production-driven economy anchored on industrialisation, renewable energy and value addition.

He said the initiative seeks to address Ghana's long-standing challenge of exporting raw materials while importing finished goods by expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and increasing the production of goods for both local consumption and export.

According to him, although major energy and industrial projects established after independence laid the foundation for economic growth, Ghana has yet to fully realise its industrial potential. He stressed that increasing local processing and manufacturing is essential to creating jobs, boosting exports and building a globally competitive economy.

The announcement was made at the opening of the Africa Build Show, Ghana Investment & Trade Week (GITW) 2026 and Megawatt Africa, which began on Tuesday, July 7, in Accra.

The three-day event is being held in partnership with the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry (GhCCI), with support from the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, the Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).

Held under the theme, "Powering Ghana's 24-Hour Economy: Integrating Infrastructure, Electric Mobility and Sustainable Real Estate for Investment and Trade Competitiveness," the event features international exhibitions, high-level conferences, strategic dialogues, investment forums, B2B matchmaking sessions and networking opportunities.

Chairing the opening ceremony, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, urged local and international investors to take advantage of Ghana's political stability, peaceful environment and expanding investment opportunities.

He called for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities, government and the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth.

Representing the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Mary Awusi, reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a competitive environment for investors.

She highlighted incentives under the Free Zones Scheme, including a 10-year corporate tax exemption, customs duty waivers on production inputs, unrestricted repatriation of profits and access to major international markets.

Chairman of MIE Group, David Wang, said the organisation remains committed to using the Ghana Investment & Trade Week platform to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen business partnerships between Ghana and international markets.

He said previous editions of the summit had connected Ghanaian businesses with investors from countries including China, India, Türkiye and Italy, leading to several manufacturing projects being established or currently under development.

He added that MIE Group's more than 10 years of engagement with Ghana has reinforced its confidence in the country's potential as an investment destination because of its political stability, security and strategic position as a gateway to West Africa.

More than 20 countries, including Italy, India, Türkiye, the UAE, Libya, Egypt, the United States, Singapore and Rwanda, are participating in the exhibition, showcasing the latest innovations and technologies in construction and energy infrastructure.