The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has extended a strong invitation to investors, development partners and the private sector to take advantage of the vast investment opportunities in the region, declaring that the Upper East is fully prepared to attract investments that will accelerate economic transformation and improve livelihoods.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the three-day Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihood (PEARL) Forum in Bolgatanga, the Minister said the Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to working closely with government institutions, development partners, businesses and investors to unlock the region’s enormous economic potential.
According to him, the PEARL Forum is not just another development conference but a strategic platform designed to mobilise investments, forge lasting partnerships, exchange innovative ideas and develop practical solutions that will shape the future of the Upper East Region.
“Our message today is simple and unequivocal: the Upper East Region is open for business. We are ready to partner, ready to innovate, ready to invest, and ready to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to build a dynamic, resilient and competitive regional economy,” Mr. Akamugri declared.
The Minister called on participants to move beyond dialogue and commit themselves to translating the forum’s vision into concrete actions that will deliver sustainable development.
“We invite every participant to leave this forum not only inspired by our vision but committed to becoming a partner in its implementation,” he stressed.
Flagship Projects to Drive Growth
Mr. Akamugri outlined several priority projects that the Regional Coordinating Council intends to champion through strategic partnerships and investment.
Among the flagship initiatives is the completion of the *Tamne Irrigation Dam, which is expected to expand irrigation farming and improve food production in the region. He also highlighted plans to rehabilitate and maximise the economic potential of the *Tono and Vea Irrigation Schemes to support year-round agriculture.
To boost industrialisation and value addition, the Minister announced plans to revive the Pwalugu Tomato Factory and the Bolgatanga Meat Processing Factory, projects expected to create jobs while providing reliable markets for local farmers and livestock producers.
He further disclosed plans to transform the Fumbisi Rice Valley into a modern commercial rice production and agro-processing hub capable of supplying both domestic and international markets.
Investing in Innovation and Higher Education
In a bid to strengthen agricultural research and innovation, Mr. Akamugri announced the proposed establishment of an Agricultural Technical University at Sandema.
The institution, he explained, would focus on developing practical agricultural technologies, building technical skills among the youth and supporting the modernisation of agriculture across northern Ghana.
The Minister also unveiled plans for an ambitious *Drone and Satellite Remote Sensing Programme, to be jointly spearheaded by *Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) and the University of Applied Sciences and Technology (UTAS) with support from development partners.
According to him, the programme will utilise modern technology to provide real-time data and intelligence for agriculture, environmental protection, land-use planning, water resource management and security operations.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
The PEARL Forum has brought together government officials, investors, development agencies, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs and civil society organisations to explore investment opportunities capable of transforming the Upper East Region into a thriving economic hub.
The three-day event is expected to generate strategic partnerships, attract significant investment commitments and develop actionable policies aimed at promoting enterprise development, strengthening agricultural productivity, creating sustainable employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of people across the region.
With a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation and private sector-led growth, the Upper East Regional Minister expressed optimism that the PEARL Framework would become a catalyst for unlocking the region’s untapped economic potential and positioning it as one of Ghana’s emerging investment destinations.
Sourc: MyBlueWavesonlin.com| MauricevDuncan| Bolgatanga
