The Upper East Region has reaffirmed its readiness to deepen economic and technological cooperation with South Korea, describing the country as a strategic partner in its quest to accelerate agricultural modernisation, industrial development, skills training and job creation.
The message was delivered by Ms Anatu Bogobiri on Thursday, November 5, 2026, on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, at the Ghana–Korea Business Forum 2026 held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
Representing the Regional Minister, who was unable to attend due to pressing official duties in the region, Ms Bogobiri conveyed the region’s strong interest in building mutually beneficial partnerships with Korean investors and technology companies.
“The Upper East Region is not only open to Korean partnership, it is ready for a Korean partnership,” she declared.
She expressed appreciation to Mr Cheol Soo Lee, Chief Executive Officer of A-Tech Group Korea, the Daejeon Defense Industry Cooperative Association (DICA), and Digital Eye Africa Ltd for facilitating the engagement and bringing a high-level Korean delegation to Ghana.
Existing cooperation and institutional partnerships
Ms Bogobiri disclosed that the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and A-Tech Group Korea had, over the past year, developed a framework for cooperation covering drone and satellite technology, technical skills development, academic exchanges and the revival of agro-industrial facilities in the region.
She explained that discussions had been consolidated into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Upper East Region and the Korean team, subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
A key component of the proposed collaboration is a partnership with Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU) to introduce drone technology and satellite-based remote sensing capabilities to northern Ghana.
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Navrongo, has also been identified as a second academic partner.
According to her, the proposed collaboration would provide opportunities for technology transfer, research, practical training and the development of local expertise.
PEARL Framework to drive regional development
Highlighting the region’s development priorities, Ms Bogobiri said the Upper East Region had adopted the PEARL Framework 2026–2035, which stands for Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods.
She described PEARL as a ten-year development plan valued at GH¢8.6 billion, covering all 15 districts and municipalities, eight sectors and 23 flagship projects.
The framework, she noted, was validated through consultations with traditional authorities, District Assemblies, farmers, women’s groups, traders and private-sector stakeholders in Bolgatanga.
She identified the region’s major development assets as the Tono, Vea and Tamne irrigation schemes, agro-industrial facilities, livestock and guinea fowl production, gold resources around Talensi, and the Paga border corridor, which provides access to markets in the Sahel.
Among the agro-industrial facilities identified for possible rehabilitation and investment are the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, Zuarungu Meat Factory, Pusu-Namongo Cotton Ginnery and Bolgatanga rice mills.
She argued that these existing assets present significant investment opportunities for Korean companies interested in agricultural processing, manufacturing and technology-driven development.
Five key areas for Korean investment
Ms Bogobiri outlined five major areas where Korean expertise and technology could support the Upper East Region’s development agenda.
- Precision agriculture and drone technology
She said drone technology and satellite data could help farmers detect crop diseases, monitor drought and flooding risks, map farmlands and improve the application of fertilisers and agrochemicals.
She proposed that the initiative should begin with the Tono, Vea and Tamne irrigation schemes, where the benefits of precision agriculture could be demonstrated.
- Geospatial mapping and planning
She indicated that Korean expertise in geospatial technology could help District Assemblies obtain accurate maps of settlements, land and properties to improve physical planning, revenue mobilisation and land management.
The technology could also support the monitoring of water resources and environmental restoration in mining communities.
- Water treatment and irrigation
Recognising the challenges associated with water availability in the savannah region, she called for Korean investment and technical support in water treatment, small-scale purification systems and efficient irrigation technologies.
She said such interventions would improve access to safe drinking water while supporting agricultural production.
- Technical skills development
Ms Bogobiri stressed that technology transfer must be accompanied by local capacity development.
She therefore called on Korean partners to collaborate with BTU, UTAS and technical institutions to train young people in drone operation, equipment maintenance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cybersecurity and coding.
- Industrial cooperation and agro-processing
She also invited Korean companies to explore opportunities in the rehabilitation and operation of existing agro-industrial facilities, particularly in tomato processing, rice milling, meat processing and cotton production.
She maintained that the facilities already have infrastructure, land and community support that could provide a foundation for renewed industrial activity.
She further noted that drone and geospatial technologies could support Ghana’s national security agencies in addressing security challenges in border communities, in accordance with national laws and in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
Upper East Region promises accountability and mutual benefits
Emphasising the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships, Ms Bogobiri said the Upper East Region was prepared to offer Korean investors a clear development framework, institutional support, accountability and access to a young population eager to acquire technical skills.
She outlined four commitments the region would bring to the partnership:
- A clear development plan: The PEARL Framework provides a roadmap to guide investments and ensure that projects align with the region’s development priorities.
- A single point of contact: The Regional Coordinating Council will serve as the main coordinating institution, facilitating engagements with District Assemblies, traditional authorities and national agencies.
- Accountability: The region is working towards establishing an independent PEARL Fund, with a Board of Trustees, a citizens’ oversight committee and published accounts.
- Human capital and institutions: The region’s universities, technical institutions and young population offer opportunities for skills development, employment and technology transfer.
She stressed that the region wanted partnerships that would create local jobs, strengthen local capacity, transfer technology and protect the environment.
“We want projects that will still be running long after the ribbon is cut. We want legacy!” she emphasised.
Five proposals presented to Korean partners
As part of efforts to translate discussions at the forum into practical development interventions, Ms Bogobiri presented five proposals on behalf of the Regional Minister.
These include:
- Establishing a drone and precision-agriculture pilot project on at least one irrigation scheme, preferably Tono or Vea, during the next farming season.
- Establishing a skills and training centre at Bolgatanga Technical University for drone operation, maintenance and geospatial analysis, with UTAS as a partner.
- Introducing a community water-treatment demonstration project in at least one district, with the possibility of expanding it across the region.
- Organising a visit by a Korean business delegation to Bolgatanga to inspect the irrigation schemes and agro-industrial facilities, with the date yet to be confirmed.
- Establishing a joint working group involving the Regional Coordinating Council, A-Tech Group Korea and the region’s universities to translate business-to-business discussions into formal project agreements.
She identified Dr Bishop Akolgo as the region’s focal person for follow-up engagements and encouraged interested Korean companies to submit their contact details to facilitate further discussions.
Regional Minister looks forward to welcoming Korean investors
Concluding the address, Ms Bogobiri invoked a local proverb to underscore the importance of collaboration.
“In the Upper East, we have a saying that one hand cannot tie a bundle,” she stated.
She said South Korea brought technology and experience, while the Upper East Region offered land, water, human resources and a development plan.
She expressed the Regional Minister’s commitment to welcoming the Korean delegation to Bolgatanga and working towards translating the discussions into tangible projects that would improve the lives of residents.
Ms Bogobiri, on behalf of Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, thanked A-Tech Group Korea, DICA and Digital Eye Africa Ltd for their role in organising the forum and expressed optimism about the prospects of Ghana–Korea cooperation.
The address ended with a message of appreciation in Korean: “Kamsahamnida” (Thank you).
Source: Mybluewavesonline.Com/ Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
