President Mahama's 24-Hour Economy Strategy Anchors Eastern Expo 2026 as CDA Consult Launches National Consumer Protection Drive

The Eastern Regional capital of Koforidua has become a focal point for Ghana’s economic revitalization as it hosts the 2026 Eastern Regional Trade and Investment Fair (Eastern Expo). The week-long event, themed "Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment," has attracted over 400 exhibitors showcasing products and services intended to drive regional growth. Parallel to this investment drive, the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has launched its flagship national initiative, “The Trust Economy – Verify Before You Buy,” a campaign designed to safeguard consumers against the rising tide of counterfeit goods and misleading advertisements.

Representing President John Dramani Mahama at the Expo, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, emphasized the government’s ambitious goal of reducing national unemployment to below five percent by 2035. He noted that the 24-hour economy policy is central to increasing manufacturing output and creating sustainable jobs. Support for this vision was echoed by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, who highlighted the critical links between tourism and trade, while Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey encouraged domestic and international investors to utilize the region's favorable business climate.

Addressing the risks that often accompany increased commercial activity, the CDA Consult initiative aims to establish a culture of verification among Ghanaian consumers. Starting its rollout in Koforidua this November, the program will span two years across all 16 regional capitals and 60 selected districts. Dr. Chris Kpodar, speaking for the initiative, stressed the urgent need for consumers to make informed decisions to protect themselves from financial loss and health hazards. The campaign seeks to build a collaborative network involving regulators, manufacturers, and law enforcement to ensure that the "trust economy" remains resilient against fraudulent market actors.

These combined efforts in the Eastern Region represent a multifaceted approach to national development, balancing aggressive investment promotion with rigorous consumer protection. As the Eastern Expo provides a platform for businesses to scale under the government’s industrialization framework, the “Verify Before You Buy” campaign provides the necessary regulatory and educational guardrails to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of product quality or consumer safety. The success of these initiatives is expected to set a template for sustainable trade practices across the country.