The final day of the iNTTA Expo in Cape Coast is focusing on how Ghana’s proposed 24-hour economy can drive tourism development, create opportunities for young entrepreneurs and attract investment into the sector.
The Friday, October 23 programme, held under the theme “24-Hour Economy as a Vehicle to Tourism Development”, is bringing together policymakers, business leaders, tourism stakeholders and young innovators to explore ways to sustain economic activity beyond conventional business hours.
The day’s activities began with a recap of key discussions and commitments from the first two days, before turning attention to the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in supporting tourism growth under a round-the-clock economy.
The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Central Region representative, Benedictor Anita Mensah, is scheduled to lead discussions on how SMEs can contribute to the expansion of tourism-related businesses.
Youth-led entrepreneurship is another major focus, with a panel examining how artificial intelligence (AI) can help young people transform side hustles into scalable businesses.
The session is expected to explore the opportunities technology offers young entrepreneurs seeking to expand their operations and participate in Ghana’s growing tourism and creative economies.
A cultural performance by the Central Regional Centre for National Culture is also scheduled before the policy keynote address by Augustus Obuadum Tanoh, Presidential Adviser to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Authority.
Mr Tanoh is expected to address the role of the policy in tourism development, while a subsequent fireside chat will examine how extended business hours, investment, youth entrepreneurship, local supply chains, safe digital experiences and partnerships across Africa can support Ghana’s economic transformation.
The programme also features an Innovation Zone for Youth Creative Changemakers, providing a platform for selected young innovators to present business ideas and initiatives in tourism, trade, technology, agribusiness and the creative economy to investors and industry leaders.
The conference is expected to conclude its formal sessions with a closing plenary at which delegates, investors and government representatives will outline commitments, partnerships and next steps emerging from the three-day event.
Beyond the conference sessions, delegates are scheduled to participate in site visits to explore investment opportunities in Cape Coast, particularly in tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage development and coastal hospitality projects.
The activities will culminate in an evening beach networking gala at Lush on the Coast, bringing together registered delegates, sponsors, government officials and diplomatic guests.
The three-day iNTTA Expo has provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss investment opportunities across tourism, hospitality, energy infrastructure, digital finance, agribusiness and health tourism, with the final day placing particular emphasis on youth-led innovation and the potential of the 24-hour economy to expand Ghana’s tourism industry.