Upper East Regional Minister call for investors at PEARL launch

The Upper East Region has launched the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework, a 10-year development blueprint aimed at accelerating economic growth, attracting investment and improving livelihoods across the region.

The framework was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Fountain Gate Auditorium in Bolgatanga, where government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, investors and members of the public gathered to witness what regional authorities described as a major milestone in the region's development agenda.

Delivering the keynote address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, described the launch as a defining moment that marks a shift from focusing on the region's challenges to harnessing its strengths and opportunities.

He welcomed participants and thanked government officials, development partners, investors and traditional authorities for supporting the initiative, describing their presence as a strong demonstration of confidence in the region's future.

“Our true identity is found in the resilience of our people, the productivity of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, the richness of our culture, the abundance of our natural resources, and the immense opportunities that await strategic investments,” he said.

According to the Regional Minister, the PEARL Framework provides a comprehensive roadmap for transforming all 15 districts of the Upper East Region over the next decade through investments estimated at more than GH¢8.6 billion.

He said the framework seeks to unlock opportunities in enterprise development, agriculture, industrialisation, infrastructure and human capital development to build a competitive, resilient and inclusive regional economy that contributes meaningfully to Ghana's national development.

Mr. Atanga noted that recent gold discoveries and the emergence of major mining companies present significant opportunities for the region but stressed that the benefits of mineral resources must extend beyond the mining industry.

“The mineral wealth beneath our soil must become a catalyst for prosperity across agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, enterprise development, and improved livelihoods for every household in our Region,” he said.

He cautioned, however, that mining alone would not deliver the transformation the region seeks.

“Mining alone cannot deliver the transformation we seek,” he stated, adding that sustainable development would require economic diversification, industrial growth, investment in human capital and strong partnerships between government, the private sector and development partners.

The Regional Minister called for increased investment in agriculture, agribusiness, renewable energy, manufacturing, tourism, housing, technology and logistics as key drivers of long term economic growth.

He also outlined several flagship projects expected to support the implementation of the framework, including the completion of the Tamne Irrigation Dam, the revival of agro processing factories, the establishment of an Agricultural Technical University and improvements to healthcare and educational infrastructure.

Mr. Atanga emphasised that infrastructure and investment alone would not guarantee success, stressing that productivity, discipline and responsible citizenship must underpin the region's transformation agenda.

He said the successful implementation of the PEARL Framework would depend on collective commitment, shared responsibility and sustained collaboration among government, traditional authorities, development partners, the private sector and local communities.

The Regional Minister expressed appreciation to sponsors, development partners, traditional leaders and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of the framework.

Addressing the youth and women of the region, he described the initiative as an investment in their future and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.

“PEARL is, above all, an investment in your future. Your creativity, enterprise, innovation, and leadership will be indispensable to the success of this Framework,” he said.

He concluded by calling on all stakeholders to work together to build a prosperous, resilient, competitive and inclusive Upper East Region capable of creating opportunities for its people and contributing significantly to Ghana's sustainable development.

The launch of the PEARL Framework marks the beginning of what regional authorities hope will be a new phase of inclusive growth, driven by strategic investment, collaboration and long term planning.

   Comments0