President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Bright International Amusement Park will become the epicenter of his government’s 24-hour economy vision.
Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony at the company’s premises in Afienya, Tema on Saturday, President Mahama said the park which hosts factories and other businesses will be the focus of the 24-hour economy policy.
“Greenhouse is working closely with the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat because this is going to be the epicenter of the 24-hour economy,” he said.
The President joined Greenhouse Group Chairman Mr. Zheng Xiangming to perform a sod-cutting ceremony to officially open the $300 million investment sitting on 500 acres of land to the general public and investors.
President Mahama explained that stable power is necessary for the operations and arrangements have been made with the Bui Power Authority.
“Stable power is crucial, and arrangements have been made with the Bui Power Authority to supply direct and reliable electricity to sustain continuous operations,” he stated.
He noted that the park’s structure combining industrial production, retail, hospitality and entertainment offers the perfect ecosystem for a sustainable 24-hour economy.
“Industries operate seamlessly across shifts, jobs are created round-the-clock, and consumers access goods and services at all times,” he added.
The President recounted his long-standing relationship with Mr. Zheng Xiangming describing him as a visionary behind the Bright International projects.
“More than 15 years ago, Mr. Zheng came to my office when I was Vice President under the late Professor Atta Mills, with a dream to construct industries in Ghana to provide employment. Many would have given up along the way, but not him. Step by step, he has built a world-class facility with nearly 70 operating factories,” he said.
President Mahama lauded Mr. Zheng’s perseverance noting that the industrial estate has already employed over 10,000 Ghanaians with more than half being women.
“He has implemented our Affirmative Action Act even better than government. I saw young women, including single mothers and school leavers, being trained and gainfully employed. The joy on their faces is priceless,” he said.
The President emphasized that the park will address youth unemployment through its one-month intensive training program for young Ghanaians particularly graduates of the Free SHS system who may not continue to university.
“Here, they acquire international-standard skills for factory work, equipping them to thrive both locally and abroad. This is how we build a disciplined, skilled workforce for a modern industrial Ghana,” he stated.
President Mahama said the Bright International Amusement Park is designed to cater to Ghana’s growing middle class and tourists seeking family-friendly leisure options.
“Most middle-class families have nowhere to go and relax with their children. This amusement park will fill that gap. It will feature water slides, a golf park, rides, and a world-class hotel with a convention center for conferences and international events,” he said.
He noted that the inclusion of a hotel and residential enclave is expected to attract visitors from across West Africa positioning Ghana as a regional hub for recreation and business tourism.
The President reaffirmed Ghana’s attractiveness for investors citing falling inflation, stabilized currency and improved macroeconomic indicators.
“Ghana is open for business again. We’re implementing reforms to make Ghana the most attractive investment destination in Africa. I will be visiting China this month to inform President Xi Jinping that his nationals are investing and thriving here and invite more to join,” he stated.
President Mahama also used the event to endorse an official agreement between Greenhouse Group and Hong Kong Hongchen.
The ceremony was attended by prominent personalities including Nene Afedi Katamanso Yilagbeye, Paramount Chief of Doryumu; Mr. Tang Hong, President of the Chinese Association and Ghana-China Chamber of Commerce; Xu Ning Quang, CEO of Sentuo Oil Refinery and Vice President of the Chinese Association and Ghana-China Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; Hon. Dzifa Ablah Gomashie, Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts; executives of the Ghana Free Zones Authority, members of the diplomatic community, members of parliament and other ministers of state.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
