Regional development strategic forum is non-partisan – Upper East Regional Minister

The three-day Upper East Regional Development Strategic Forum, held under the Pearl Initiative, has been described as a landmark exercise aimed at charting a long-term development agenda for the region, with assurances that it transcends political affiliations.

Addressing the media after the forum, Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, firmly dismissed suggestions that the initiative was designed to serve the interest of any political party.

According to him, the Pearl Initiative belongs to the people of the Upper East Region and seeks to harness the collective wisdom of all stakeholders to accelerate development over the next decade.

"This initiative is not for any political party. It is for the entire Upper East Region. We deliberately invited people from different political backgrounds, traditional authorities, professionals, the business community and development partners because development requires collective ownership."he said.

The Regional Minister noted that the forum brought together distinguished personalities from across the political divide, including former Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila, Paul Afoko, political party representatives, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, youth groups and professionals, all of whom contributed ideas towards developing a comprehensive ten-year strategic document.

Hon. Akamugri described the overwhelming participation as a clear indication of the commitment of the people to the future of the region.

"The attendance was overwhelming. People travelled from different parts of Ghana to be here. Many sacrificed their time and left their businesses just to contribute ideas. That demonstrates how important this initiative is to the people." Minister indicated.

He further explained that although the three-day engagement had officially ended, it only marked the beginning of a broader consultation process.

According to him, all recommendations and proposals gathered during the forum would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the final strategic development document before implementation.

"The forum has ended, but the work has only begun. This is a continuous process. We will refine the document and ensure every meaningful contribution is captured so that the final strategy truly reflects the aspirations of our people,"he added.

Also speaking at the forum, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, highlighted the enormous economic opportunities available in the Upper East Region.

He stressed that the region possesses numerous locally manufactured products with strong export potential capable of attracting both local and foreign investors.

He cited the production of traditional smocks, leather bags, handicrafts and other indigenous products as examples of industries that can be expanded to create jobs and generate wealth.

"The Upper East Region has products that can compete on international markets. Our smocks, leather products and several locally manufactured goods have the potential to attract investors if we deliberately promote and add value to them," Asaki said.

Mr. Asaki urged government, the private sector and development partners to invest in value addition, marketing and industrialization to unlock the economic potential of the region.

Former Ghana Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila, also reaffirmed that the Pearl Initiative should not be viewed through a partisan political lens.

He explained that although government is facilitating the process, the ultimate beneficiaries are the people of the Upper East Region.

"The Pearl Initiative is a government programme, not a political party programme. Governments come and go, but development should remain a shared responsibility," Gambila explained.

He therefore called on political leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, professionals and residents to unite behind the initiative and support the implementation of the final strategic document.

"If we all support this initiative, the entire Upper East Region stands to benefit. Development succeeds when everyone contributes, regardless of political affiliation," he reiterated.

The Pearl Initiative is expected to produce a comprehensive ten-year regional development blueprint that will focus on key sectors including agriculture, tourism, industrialization, trade, infrastructure, education, healthcare, investment promotion and youth employment, with the ultimate objective of transforming the Upper East Region into one of Ghana's leading economic growth hubs.