Volta Lake to become economic powerhouse under 24-Hour policy – Mahama 

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans for the Volta Lake. He aims to turn it into a key industrial hub. This initiative is part of the government’s 24-hour economy policy.

Mahama stated that Volta Lake has powered Ghana through hydroelectricity. However, its broader economic potential remains largely untapped. He spoke at a stakeholder meeting at Jubilee House on May 28.

The President introduced the “Volta Economic Corridor.” He sees it as central to the 24-hour Economy Programme. “It’s time to move beyond hydropower,” he said.

For decades, the lake has supplied electricity, thanks to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and VRA's efforts. Yet, it has been underutilized for other economic activities.

The government plans to make the Volta Basin a national production zone. They will also create a logistics artery under this programme. The corridor will cultivate over 2 million hectares of arable land.

Additionally, they aim to revitalize fisheries for local and export markets. Industrial parks will be established along the corridor for processing agricultural goods and manufacturing products.

To realize this vision, the government will activate Volta Lake as a transport highway. This will link northern food production zones with southern markets and export terminals. It aims to reduce logistics costs significantly.

In the medium term, this plan will rebalance industrial geography in Ghana. Factories may locate beyond congested coastal areas as a result. Achieving this requires investment in new floating transport assets and lake ports.

President Mahama mentioned creating long-term public-private partnerships with VRA for success. The 24-hour Economy Programme is set to launch in July 2025 on Republic Day.

He urged stakeholders who helped shape this vision to contribute further. The government will establish an independent authority reporting directly to the Presidency for effective delivery of this initiative.