Eastern Expo 2026 Drives Investment Goals as Asawinso Community Bank Reports Record 211% Profit Surge

The 2026 Eastern Regional Trade and Investment Fair (Eastern Expo) has officially opened in Koforidua, marking a significant milestone in the government's strategy to leverage regional resources for sustainable national growth. The week-long event, themed "Unlocking Opportunities for Sustainable Trade, Tourism and Investment," has attracted over 400 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products and services. Representing President John Dramani Mahama, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, emphasized that the fair is a key component of the administration's broader economic vision. He reiterated the government's ambitious goal to reduce national unemployment below five percent by 2035 through initiatives like the 24-hour economy, which seeks to boost manufacturing and industrial output.

Supporting the regional drive for investment, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, highlighted the critical nexus between tourism and trade, urging stakeholders to view the Eastern Region as a primary destination for sustainable investment. Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey further encouraged domestic and international investors to capitalize on the region's favorable business environment and abundant natural resources. The fair serves not only as a marketplace but as a strategic platform for networking and policy dialogue aimed at transforming the Eastern Region into a hub for agro-processing and eco-tourism.

In a parallel development reflecting the resilience of the local financial sector, Asawinso Community Bank PLC has reported an extraordinary financial performance during its 40th Annual General Meeting. The bank achieved a 211% increase in profit before tax, reaching GH¢5,746,845, alongside a 34% growth in its total assets. Chairman Mr. Anokye Asare attributed this success to robust management strategies and the loyalty of the community, noting that the bank's growth has been recognized through multiple local and international awards for financial inclusion and excellence in community banking.

To mark these milestones and give back to its stakeholders, Asawinso Community Bank has launched a dedicated scholarship scheme for the children of its shareholders. The program is specifically designed to support academically gifted students who face financial constraints, ensuring that the bank's profitability translates into tangible social impact. CEO Mr. Kwasi Ameyaw reaffirmed the institution's commitment to quality service and community support, aligning the bank's future goals with the national objective of deepening financial inclusion.

Together, the success of the Eastern Expo and the record-breaking performance of community-based lenders like Asawinso highlight a growing momentum in Ghana's regional economies. As the government continues to promote the 24-hour economy framework, the synergy between large-scale trade exhibitions and strong local financial institutions is expected to provide the necessary capital and market access to sustain long-term economic expansion. These developments suggest a strengthening foundation for the private sector as the country moves toward its 2035 economic targets.