President John Dramani Mahama is expected to cut the sod in the coming weeks for the construction of a new Accra Convention Centre, a major infrastructure project being undertaken as an investment by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT). Newscard
Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the development on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, describing the project as the latest major investment by SSNIT in Ghana’s infrastructure landscape.
According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, the proposed convention centre will be located at the Trade Fair Centre in Accra and will occupy an area of approximately 81,422 square metres.
The facility is expected to significantly expand Ghana’s capacity to host major conferences, high-level meetings, exhibitions and other large-scale events.
At the heart of the project will be a 3,000-seater main conference hall designed to accommodate major gatherings.
The complex will also include a Presidential Hall intended for high-level meetings, as well as four large auditoriums and other modern facilities.
The project is expected to add a new dimension to Ghana’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector, commonly known as MICE tourism.
Ghana has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for international conferences and business events, supported by its political stability,
cultural attractions and growing tourism sector. However, the availability and quality of large-scale conference infrastructure remain important considerations for the country as it seeks to attract more international events.
The new facility could therefore provide Ghana with additional capacity to compete for major regional and international conferences that require modern venues capable of accommodating large numbers of participants.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the project would strengthen the country’s conference and events infrastructure and create opportunities for tourism and other economic activities.
The announcement is also consistent with President Mahama’s earlier plans to develop Ghana into a leading destination for meetings, conferences, entertainment and creative events.
In his 2026 State of the Nation Address, President Mahama said the existing Accra International Conference Centre was not sufficient for a country seeking to become a major West African hub for conferences, concerts, entertainment and other events. Corrections Policy
He announced plans for the development of a new Convention and Creative Events Centre in partnership with the private sector, while also outlining plans to refurbish the Accra International Conference Centre and renovate the State Banquet Hall.
The latest project at the Trade Fair Centre appears to advance that broader ambition by creating a large-scale facility specifically designed to accommodate major events.
The choice of the Trade Fair Centre as the location also gives the project potential strategic advantages. The site is already associated with exhibitions, commercial activities and major public events, making it familiar to businesses, event organisers and visitors.
A modern convention facility at the location could create opportunities for greater integration between conferences, exhibitions, tourism, hospitality and other services.
Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, event-management companies, security providers and other businesses could potentially benefit from increased activity generated by major conferences.
The economic impact of such a facility, however, will ultimately depend on how effectively it is operated after construction.
International convention centres require professional management, reliable infrastructure, competitive pricing and consistent maintenance to remain attractive to event organisers.
The project also comes as Ghana prepares to mark its 70th anniversary of independence in 2027. The government has already announced several initiatives aimed at improving Accra’s appearance and infrastructure ahead of the anniversary celebrations. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza said on October 7 that principal roads in Accra would receive a facelift ahead of the celebrations, following a directive from President Mahama.
The government has also emphasised the importance of modernising the capital while protecting Accra’s historical and cultural heritage.
Against this background, the planned convention centre could form part of a wider effort to improve Accra’s ability to accommodate major national and international events while strengthening its position as a business and tourism destination.
For SSNIT, the project represents another investment in physical infrastructure intended to generate long-term value. As a social security institution, SSNIT manages pension funds and makes investments intended to support the sustainability of the pension system.
The financial structure, construction timeline, expected cost and projected completion date of the convention centre have not been detailed in the announcement. Those details will be important for assessing the project’s financial viability and eventual economic returns.
For now, the immediate milestone will be President Mahama’s planned sod-cutting ceremony, which is expected to formally mark the beginning of construction. Editorial Standards
If successfully completed and professionally managed, the 81,422-square-metre Accra Convention Centre could become an important addition to Ghana’s event infrastructure.
Its proposed 3,000-seat main hall, Presidential Hall and four auditoriums would give the country greater capacity to host high-level meetings and international gatherings while supporting the wider hospitality and tourism economy.
The project therefore carries ambitions beyond the construction of another public venue. It forms part of a broader push to strengthen Ghana’s infrastructure for business events, attract international visitors and position Accra as a competitive destination for major conferences and creative events in West Africa.
The success of that ambition will ultimately depend not only on completing the facility but also on ensuring that it delivers value, attracts high-profile events and generates sustainable economic opportunities for Ghanaian businesses and workers.