The Volta Regional Representative on the Council of State, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has held discussions with American businessman, investor and philanthropist John P. Rochon, Ph.D., on potential investment opportunities in the Volta Region.

The discussions, which also involved the Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Green LLC, Al Lewis, focused on the region’s investment potential, particularly lithium exploration and other natural resources.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple said the meeting formed part of his commitment to expanding his role on the Council of State beyond its traditional advisory responsibilities.

“One of the promises I made in my bid to serve as a Member of the Council of State was that my role would not just be limited to the traditional advisory role. I also believe that public service must create opportunities for economic transformation,” he said.

Dr Kwamigah-Atokple said he was particularly interested in initiatives that would enable the region to add value to its natural resources locally rather than exporting them in their raw form.

“That means actively seeking out credible investors, pitching business ideas that can create jobs, develop local capacity and, most importantly, add value to the raw materials found in our region rather than exporting them in their raw form,” he said.

He described the Volta Region as having significant economic potential and said his objective was to help translate those resources into sustainable investments, productive industries and employment opportunities for residents.

The Council of State representative also highlighted Dr Rochon’s philanthropic activities, noting that the American investor had provided financial support for hospital projects in Malawi despite never having visited Africa.

“Dr Rochon’s philanthropic record is equally noteworthy. Although he has never been to Africa, he has demonstrated a strong interest in the continent by providing financial support to Malawi to support hospital projects.

“This is the kind of global experience, investment interest and philanthropy we must tap into for the benefit of our region,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

The engagement is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to attract international investment to the Volta Region and explore opportunities for developing its natural resources and local industries.

Dr Rochon has more than four decades of experience in finance, business strategy, investment, marketing and political strategy.

He is the founder of Richmont, a private investment and business holding company, and the Rochon Family Office, a multi-billion-dollar single-family office based in the United States.

He previously served as Board Chairman of the global cosmetics company Mary Kay, which has about six million women customers worldwide.