Dr Agnes Adu, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Trade Fair Co Ltd., has revealed that the Trade Fair site was in disarray before President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo appointed her.
Speaking on Artsy on Asaase 99.5 on August 10, Adu described the site’s condition when she first arrived in July 2017, noting extensive neglect and garbage accumulation.
Adu emphasized that President Akufo-Addo intentionally recruited professionals like herself who had gained experience abroad.
“When I first walked in, there was chaos. The site was overrun with garbage, and the residents were dumping their waste there,” she said.
Adu praised the President’s deliberate effort to bring back expatriates with valuable skills.
“His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was very purposeful in reaching out to those of us who had left Ghana to acquire knowledge abroad.
He specifically sought out professionals from the United States, urging us to return and contribute to our country’s development.”
The CEO, who initially trained as a doctor but has also managed retail businesses, explained that Akufo-Addo encouraged her to abandon her successful ventures abroad to focus on revitalizing Ghana.
“He told us, ‘You have talents. You’re paying taxes into someone else’s system. You need to come back, endure the challenges, and build your own country.'”
Adu acknowledged that taking on the role of Trade Fair CEO required resilience and adaptability.
“I believe the President gave me one of the toughest assignments to ensure I had the fortitude to handle it. It’s something you develop over time,” she said.
She detailed her approach to redeveloping the Trade Fair site, noting that it required a comprehensive modern master plan for the 150-acre beachfront property.
“The site had been abandoned for a long time, so we began by creating a strategic plan.
This process involved extensive coordination with various government agencies and obtaining necessary approvals from the Cabinet and the Public Procurement Authority.”
Adu’s efforts highlight the significant challenges and bureaucratic hurdles in transforming the neglected Trade Fair site into a vibrant asset for Ghana.
