Government secures strategic investor to revive Volta Star Textiles – Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government has selected a strategic investor to help restore operations at Volta Star Textiles Limited in Juapong, with plans also underway to secure cotton supplies from neighbouring Benin to support the factory's revival.

The President disclosed this on Thursday, July 16, 2026, during a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour economy market in Juapong as part of his working tour of the Volta Region.

According to him, the government has completed the process of appointing a transaction advisor, inviting bids from prospective investors and selecting a preferred strategic partner to spearhead the modernisation of the once-thriving textile factory.

"I wish to inform Togbe and the workers of Volta Star Textiles Limited that very soon the transaction advisor will bring the strategic investor to visit the factory and start the design for modernisation," President Mahama said.

He further revealed that Ghana was at an advanced stage of discussions with the Government of Benin to secure a steady supply of cotton for the factory.

"Arrangements are being made to sign a memorandum of understanding with the government of Benin to supply cotton for the factory," he stated.

President Mahama described Volta Star Textiles as a cornerstone of Juapong's economic development, noting that the factory had created jobs and shaped the identity of the town for decades. He reaffirmed the government's determination to restore the company through strategic partnerships and investment.

"No discussion about Juapong can be complete without recognising the historic contribution of Volta Star Textiles Limited, which for many years provided employment and shaped the community's economic identity. Government is determined to restore the legacy of Volta Star Textiles Limited through strategic partnerships and modernisation," he said.

Turning to the 24-hour economy initiative, the President explained that the Juapong market forms part of a nationwide programme that will see similar facilities constructed across all 261 districts, including the 18 districts in the Volta Region.

He noted that although Juapong is not a metropolitan area, it qualified for a Category Four market because of its commercial significance and population.

The proposed market will feature 100 lockable stores, 150 sheds and stalls, 10 warehouses, a police post, fire station, clinic, pharmacy, daycare centre, a branch of the Women's Development Bank, a butcher shop with cold storage, a restaurant with 10 food courts, a supermarket and an open trading space for traders without permanent stalls.

President Mahama assured traders displaced by the demolition of the old market that they would be given priority in the allocation of stalls and lockable shops once the new facility is completed.

He also disclosed that the Member of Parliament for North Tongu had procured 100 deep freezers for distribution to traders affected by the redevelopment.

"I want to thank our mothers and daughters who were affected by the dislocation and assure them that when the market is finished, they will be given priority in the acquisition of stalls and lockable shops," he said.

On the long-delayed bridge project near Juapong, the President said discussions had recently been held in Japan by a delegation led by the Minister for Roads and Highways together with the area's traditional leadership.

He explained that a new contractor was being procured after the previous contractor withdrew from the project due to prolonged delays.

"We had to choose a new contractor because the previous one pulled out after delays. I am assured that before the end of the year, the process will be completed and the contractor will begin work," he said.

President Mahama also updated residents on compensation for victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, stating that the verification and assessment of claims were nearing completion.

He said funding had already been provided in this year's budget to commence compensation payments, with additional resources to be allocated in next year's budget if necessary.

"I wish to assure all affected people that government will finalise the process fairly, transparently, and responsibly," he said.

The President further dismissed suggestions that government development projects in the Volta Region were influenced by the region's electoral choices, insisting that his administration remained committed to equitable development across the country.

"We reject the notion that any part of Ghana should be taken for granted or left behind because of its electoral choices. Our mandate is to govern the country for every Ghanaian," he stated.