Bolgatanga, Ghana – The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has held a strategic engagement with members of the media ahead of the upcoming Regional Economic Development Forum, a major initiative aimed at formulating a comprehensive 10-year development blueprint for the region.
The media engagement, held in Bolgatanga, provided an opportunity for the Regional Minister to outline the objectives, structure, and expected outcomes of the three-day forum, which is scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 1, 2026.
According to Hon. Atanga, the development forum forms part of a broader vision to establish a long-term roadmap that will guide sustainable growth, economic transformation, and social development across the Upper East Region over the next decade.
Speaking during the engagement, the Minister revealed that one of his first decisions upon assuming office was the establishment of an independent working committee tasked with coordinating the forum and spearheading the preparation of the region’s 10-year development plan.
“The committee is made up of highly experienced technical experts drawn from various sectors. Their responsibility is to provide professional guidance and ensure that the development plan we produce is realistic, inclusive, practical, and capable of addressing the long-term needs of the region,” he explained.
Hon. Atanga emphasized that the development blueprint would not be a political document but rather a people-centered strategy designed to harness the region’s vast potential and address longstanding developmental challenges.
The Regional Economic Development Forum is expected to bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including technical experts, development practitioners, civil society organizations, traditional authorities, government agencies, the private sector, academia, youth groups, and community representatives.
Discussions during the forum will focus on identifying key priorities and actionable strategies in critical sectors such as infrastructure development, agriculture, education, healthcare, industrialization, job creation, environmental sustainability, and local economic development.
The Minister stressed the need for collective ownership of the process and urged residents to place the region’s interests above personal, political, or partisan considerations.
“We must come together as one people with a common purpose. The success of this development plan depends on our ability to think beyond individual interests and focus on what is best for the Upper East Region. This is an opportunity to shape the future of our region for generations to come,” he stated.
Hon. Atanga further disclosed that invitations have been extended to all political parties, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, as well as key development partners to ensure broad participation and diverse perspectives during the deliberations.
A member of the working committee, Prof. Sumaila Mohammed Asaah, also underscored the importance of the initiative and called on citizens to actively support the process.
Drawing from his experience in the preparation of the development framework for the Upper West Region, Prof. Asaah expressed confidence that the Upper East Region possesses the capacity and resources necessary to achieve significant socio-economic transformation if stakeholders remain committed to the vision.
“The Upper East Region is endowed with immense human capital and abundant natural resources. If we approach this process with seriousness and commitment, there is every reason to believe that we can achieve remarkable development outcomes similar to, or even beyond, what other regions have accomplished,” he noted.
He encouraged citizens, institutions, and development actors to contribute meaningfully to discussions during the forum, stressing that inclusive participation would be key to developing a practical and effective long-term strategy.
The Regional Minister also appealed to the media to play a proactive role in supporting the initiative by creating public awareness, encouraging citizen participation, and helping to market the region’s investment opportunities to both local and international investors.
According to him, attracting investment will be crucial to the successful implementation of the development agenda and the realization of the region’s economic aspirations.
The upcoming Regional Economic Development Forum is expected to mark a significant milestone in the Upper East Region’s development journey, providing a platform for stakeholders to collectively chart a clear and sustainable path toward prosperity over the next decade.
As preparations intensify, many residents and development experts view the initiative as a unique opportunity to redefine the region’s future and establish a shared vision capable of unlocking the full potential of the Upper East Region.
Source: MyBlueWavesonlin.com | Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
