The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has applauded the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, for his bold initiative to establish a large-scale industrial park in the Gomoa enclave of the Central Region.
The Speaker described the project as a “visionary and transformative initiative” that revives Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s dream of an industrialized nation.
He made these remarks when Hon. A Plus, together with the traditional leaders of the Gomoa Traditional Area led by Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI, Omanhene of Gomoa Ajumako and former President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, paid a courtesy call on him in Parliament.
The visit was to formally invite the Speaker to the official launch of the Gomoa Industrial Park, scheduled for October 21, 2025, at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.
Also in attendance was Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), who is partnering the project as a development advocate.
A Plus is a true visionary
Speaker Bagbin lavished praise on the independent MP for his boldness and foresight, saying he embodies the spirit of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s developmental philosophy.
“Once you are a child and you know how to wash your hands clean, you will dine with elders. That’s exactly what A Plus is doing,” the Speaker said. “In spite of being a first-time MP, he is acting like Nkrumah’s grandchild — focused, visionary, and determined to industrialize his constituency.”
He said the Gomoa Industrial Park would not only transform the local economy but also position the Central Region as a major hub for manufacturing and trade.
“It is refreshing to see this vision coming alive again in the Gomoa area. What Hon. A Plus is doing will not only transform his constituency but serve as a catalyst for national industrial growth,” he added.
Land security key to investment
The Speaker also emphasized the importance of land security in attracting investment, noting that land disputes have discouraged many investors in the past.
“One of the biggest challenges to development in this country is land ownership. Many investors leave because of litigation,” he observed. “What A Plus and the Gomoa chiefs are doing — ensuring secured land for industrialization — is a brilliant and forward-looking step.”
He pledged Parliament’s full support to ensure a conducive policy framework for similar projects.
“We will do all we can to support this initiative to succeed. If there’s any law that needs to be reviewed to facilitate such projects, we will do it,” the Speaker assured.
Media and chiefs are key partners in development
Speaker Bagbin further highlighted the importance of collaboration among the media, traditional leaders, and political actors to achieve sustainable development.
“Without the media, there can be no progress,” he said. “Freedom of the media includes the freedom to make mistakes. We should accept that they are our partners in nation-building.”
He also commended the traditional authorities for maintaining peace and unity within the Gomoa enclave, describing it as “the cornerstone of development.”
“It’s through your leadership that peace and security are maintained in the Gomoa area. The wisdom of our chieftaincy system must be supported by modern politics,” he added.
Ghana is the best place to build your dream
In a passionate appeal to the youth, the Speaker urged Ghanaians to invest their talents and energies at home rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
“There is no country in the world better than Ghana,” he stated. “What you are looking for in life is peace and happiness — and that can only be found where there is freedom and justice. You may make money abroad, but you will still live in chains. Build Ghana instead.”
Chiefs pledge full support
On behalf of the traditional leaders, Obrempong Nyanful Krampah XI expressed gratitude to the Speaker for his continuous support to MPs from the Gomoa area and reaffirmed the chiefs’ commitment to the industrial project.
“The Gomoa Traditional Council fully supports this initiative. Industrializing our area will help bridge the poverty gap between our people and the rest of the country,” he said.
He noted that the Gomoa Traditional Area encompasses three parliamentary constituencies — Gomoa East, Gomoa West, and Gomoa Central — represented by MPs Hon. Desmond Paitoo, Hon. Richard Gyan-Mensah (Deputy Minister for Energy), and Hon. Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) respectively.
“We are here today to strengthen our bond with Parliament and support our MP, Hon. A Plus, for bringing this groundbreaking project to our people,” Obrempong Krampah added.
Gomoa Industrial Park will be Ghana’s biggest Investment
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour revealed that the chiefs have allocated a certified 21,000 acres of land for the project, making it the largest industrial park in Ghana — and potentially one of the biggest in Africa.
“The chiefs have issued us a certificate of allocation for 21,000 acres of land. This means our industrial park will be one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world,” he disclosed.
He highlighted that the initiative draws inspiration from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s earlier industrial drive in the Gomoa area, where several factories, farms, and educational institutions were established.
“Nkrumah began Ghana’s industrialization journey right here in Gomoa,” Mr. Dwumfour said. “He built the Pomadze Poultry Farm, the feed mill, the seed company, and training colleges — many of which became the foundations of today’s University of Education, Winneba. What we are doing is continuing that legacy.”
He formally invited the Speaker to grace the upcoming launch as Special Guest of Honour and to speak on the theme “Reviving Nkrumah’s Industrial Vision through Strategic Partnership and 24-Hour Economy.”
Background
The Gomoa Industrial Park seeks to attract both local and international investors to boost agro-processing, manufacturing, and technology-driven enterprises in the Central Region. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to the realization of Ghana’s 24-hour economy vision.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com