Central Regional Minister unveils bold plan for industrial and social transformation

Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister

The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, has outlined an ambitious blueprint to reposition the region as a centre of industrial expansion, educational excellence, and sustainable tourism, anchored on discipline, unity, and strategic investment.

In an exclusive interview, the Minister detailed the challenges confronting the region and the structured roadmap his administration is implementing to confront them. He said he is confident that his experience, vision, and commitment place him in a strong position to steer the Central Region toward a new chapter of coordinated and inclusive development.

Hon Eduamoah, known for his calm but decisive leadership style, acknowledged the high expectations placed on him but said he approaches the task with humility and clarity of purpose. While the Central Region remains historically and academically significant, he noted that several socio economic challenges continue to hinder progress. Youth unemployment, poor road infrastructure, and worsening sanitation conditions remain among the most urgent concerns.

He stressed that the region’s struggles stem not from a lack of potential but from years of inconsistent implementation of development initiatives, something the current administration is determined to reverse. Although the region’s economy is heavily supported by education and tourism, it has yet to fully diversify. Many rural communities still face inadequate potable water, weak healthcare systems, and limited markets for agricultural and fisheries products.

In urban centres such as Cape Coast and Elmina, unplanned settlements and persistent waste management challenges are threatening the coastal environment and undermining long term sustainability.

To address these issues, the Minister outlined a four pillar strategy designed to transform the region’s socio economic outlook.

“We are aggressively rehabilitating feeder roads and enhancing urban road networks to improve trade and accessibility. Every district must feel the pulse of development,” he said.

He added that ongoing collaborations with private investors and relevant government institutions will support the creation of small scale agro processing zones and industrial parks across the Central Region.

“Our focus is not just job creation but job sustainability. We’re investing in skills and entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth.”

Highlighting the region’s reputation as the cradle of Ghana’s tourism heritage, the Minister said steps are being taken to modernize tourist sites and upgrade hospitality standards.

“Tourism is our goldmine. We are rebranding Cape Coast and Elmina as global heritage destinations.”

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the educational sector, noting that the Central Region, home to some of Ghana’s top learning institutions, continues to prioritise high quality education. He said plans are underway to refurbish schools, expand technical and vocational training, and enhance teacher motivation.

“Education remains our competitive advantage. It is the strongest tool to secure our future,” he stated.

Hon Eduamoah described his tenure as one grounded in collaboration, transparency, and measurable results. He emphasised that the participation of chiefs, youth, women, and the private sector is essential to achieving the region’s development goals.

“The Central Region’s destiny is in our hands. Let us rise together, work together, and prosper together. This is the new dawn of progress for the Central Region.”