President Akufo-Addo is set to deliver a speech today, March 8, 2022, at the Dubai Expo 2020. The Expo aims to forge new partnerships and inspire ground-breaking solutions across key industries worldwide.

Among other things, the expo is intended to raise awareness about the worldwide issues that mankind faces and also provides several possibilities for networking and the promotion of international connections. Additionally, individual pavilions will be set up at Expo 2020, with countries exhibiting their unique cultures and technical innovations.

Following this, the President will hold bilateral talks on matters of mutual interest with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, participate in a Business Forum under the auspices of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) and hold meetings with other investors interested in doing business in Ghana.

President Akufo-Addo was accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; the Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan Keyerematen, and officials of the Presidency and Foreign Ministry.

Activities for the expo will include an official EXPO 2020 Flag Raising Ceremony and Luncheon at Al Wasl Plaza, and a Presidential Cocktail Event at Address Downtown, 7th Floor Club Lounge Terrace. This will be followed by a flag lighting ceremony of Burj Khalifa and then a Ghana Colours Concert and Fashion show at Downtown Dubai.

On March 9, a Presidential Breakfast Roundtable at Ritz Carlton Dubai Financial Centre will take place followed by a Ghana Business Forum at the Jafza One Convention Center. This, will offer stakeholders the opportunity to explore viable investment opportunities.

The President is expected to return to Ghana on Friday, 11th March and in his absence, the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, shall, in accordance with Article 60(8) of the Constitution, act in his stead.

Participation of Ghana in Expo 2020

The participation of Ghana in the international business and investment exposition in the capital of the United Arab Emirate, Dubai, started from October last year and expected to end March 2022.

The six-month event is dubbed: ‘EXPO 2020 Dubai’ and it will showcase the business and investment opportunities in Ghana to the global business community, to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the country. Initially slated for last year, the EXPO was cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Addressing the media last year, Mr Reginald Yofi Grant, the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), revealed that Ghana had earmarked specific activities to be undertaken by Ghana’s Team to the EXPO.

Mr Grant indicated that some key thematic areas expected to be highlighted at the event include agriculture and agro processing, water and sanitation, culture and creative arts, food security, housing and construction, tourism and hospitality, lands and natural resources, environment and climate change issues.

The month of January 2022 highlighted Ghana’s technological and digital economy and explored avenues for partnerships and the healthcare sector. Also, the expo would allow each participating country to mount a special parade on business and investment opportunities available in their respective countries to a global audience.