President John Mahama has unveiled a strategic plan to transform Ghana into the leading international events destination in West Africa.
Central to this vision is a two-pronged approach: the comprehensive renovation of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) and the construction of a new, world-class convention facility.
During his State of the Nation Address, the President emphasised that world-class infrastructure is a prerequisite for attracting global conferences, large-scale exhibitions, and major entertainment events.
President Mahama revealed that the original builders of the AICC have already been engaged to evaluate the current structure and spearhead its restoration.
“Mr Speaker, in line with our new national efforts to bring events and conferences to Ghana, we are going to undertake the refurbishment of the Accra International Conference Centre to restore it to its iconic past as the country’s national and international events and conference venue,” he announced.
He further noted that the technical groundwork for this project is already complete.
“Mr Speaker, the original contractors of the centre have conducted a structural integrity assessment at the request of the Office of the Chief of Staff and made recommendations for the facility’s renovation and refurbishment. They will commence this work in the next few weeks.”
While the AICC remains a landmark, the president acknowledged that existing facilities are insufficient to meet the country’s growing ambitions for the creative and corporate sectors.
“But Mr Speaker, the AICC is not enough for a country seeking to develop its creative sector and become West Africa’s destination for meetings, conferences, musicals, concerts, and entertainment.”
To address this gap, the government plans to leverage a public-private partnership (PPP) to deliver a larger, more versatile venue capable of hosting a wider range of international activities.
“So working with the private sector, work will also commence this year on a befitting convention and creative events centre to position Ghana as West Africa’s leading hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and creative events.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
