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The Board Chair of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, has commended the evident strides of the people of Awudome, particularly the settlers of Awoshie, for their impressive progress in community development while maintaining a deep sense of cultural preservation. His remarks came as he graced the Grand Durbar of the 2025 Awudome Yam Festival (AWOFEST) as the special guest of honor. [caption id="attachment_189017" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] AWOFEST 2025: GIPC Board Chair announces newly launched Investment Opportunities Mapping Project to bolster national development[/caption] Addressing a lively gathering of traditional leaders, dignitaries, and indigenes, Mr. Oppong-Fosu applauded the leadership of the Paramount Chief and President of the Awudome Traditional Council, Togbega Addae Kwasi Djanie XIII, for his exceptional vision and his ability to blend modern governance principles with the rich traditional values of the Awudome people. He emphasized that the warmth and hospitality of the Awudome people were reflections of their chief’s exemplary leadership and commitment to unity. Mr. Oppong-Fosu described the success of this year’s Awudome Yam Festival as a clear testament to how the Awudome Traditional Area continues to align with national aspirations. This year’s theme, ‘Developing Through Collaborative Partnership,’ he noted, resonates strongly with Ghana’s current trajectory of transformation under the government’s flagship initiatives such as the 24-hour Economy Agenda and the Big PUSH Initiative. “Today, as we gather under this theme, Developing Through Collaborative Partnership, it is appropriate to situate our reflections within the broader national context of transformation under President Mahama’s leadership - particularly through the 24-hour Economy Agenda and the Big PUSH Initiative,” he said. He commended the Awudome Traditional Council for being “pace setters” in this bold transition, emphasizing their proactive approach to development. “You are not waiting for development to come from elsewhere — you are leading it yourselves through unity, self-help, and strategic partnerships. This is exactly the kind of initiative that GIPC is proud to support and promote,” he added. Touching on GIPC’s new direction, Mr. Oppong-Fosu revealed the launch of the ‘Investment Opportunities Mapping Project,’ a nationwide initiative designed to identify and showcase the indigenous investment potentials of every region and district across Ghana. This initiative, he explained, is part of GIPC’s broader mission to decentralize investment promotion and drive equitable economic growth across the country. “The project will connect investors — both local and international — with viable projects in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, culture, and technology,” he announced. “Our objective is simple: to stimulate local economic development, create wealth and jobs for our youth, and enhance the competitiveness of our regions. Through this, we hope to bridge the urban-rural development gap and empower local economies to thrive.” He further noted that the Mapping Project would rely heavily on collaboration between traditional authorities, local governments, and private sector players to ensure that identified opportunities are not only documented but actively developed. “Ghana’s true potential lies in its people and communities,” he emphasized. Mr. Oppong-Fosu therefore urged the Awudome Traditional Council and the people of Awoshie to take full advantage of the visibility and connections that AWOFEST provides. He encouraged them to use the platform to renew their collective commitment to unity, collaboration, and ethical leadership, which he described as the pillars of sustainable development. “Together, through collaborative partnership, we can transform local potential into national prosperity,” he remarked. He also expressed optimism about the future of the Awudome Traditional Area, noting that beyond infrastructure, there exist immense opportunities in human capital, creativity, and the intrinsic values of the Ghanaian people. “Let us invest not only in infrastructure, but also in human capital, creativity, and the values that define who we are. Together, through collaborative partnership, we can transform local potential into national prosperity.”
