Northern Region open for business, investors welcome — Regional Minister

The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has declared the Northern Region "open for business," calling on both local and foreign investors to take advantage of its vast agricultural land, youthful workforce and strategic trade corridors as the government rolls out policies to stimulate economic growth.

Speaking as the Special Guest at the Northern Business Fair 2026 at Jubilee Park in Tamale on Saturday, the Minister said the government was committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, generate employment and drive economic transformation across the northern part of the country.

“This fair is more than an exhibition. It is a platform for partnerships, for innovation, and for moving Northern Ghana from potential to prosperity,” Mr Ali Adolf John said.

The three-day event, organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM, attracted Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional leaders, financial institutions, development partners and hundreds of exhibitors.

Among the dignitaries present were the Mayor of Tamale, Abubakari Adam Takoro; the Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, Abdulai Imoro Gong; and the Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Professor Seidu Alidu, all of whom pledged their support for initiatives aimed at promoting enterprise development.

The Regional Minister highlighted a number of flagship government programmes, including the 24-Hour Economy Policy, the Export Ghana Programme, the Adwumawura Programme, the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Women's Development Bank, describing them as key interventions designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women and young entrepreneurs.

“These interventions will enable businesses to expand, create employment, and contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic transformation,” he stated.

Making a strong case for investment in the region, Mr Ali Adolf John pointed to Northern Ghana's competitive advantages, including its fertile agricultural land, abundant natural resources, strategic access to Sahelian markets and energetic workforce.

He identified agribusiness, manufacturing, commerce and value addition as sectors with enormous investment potential, stressing that sustainable growth would require strong collaboration between government, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners and the media.

“Northern Ghana is ready. The NRCC and all MMDAs are ready to facilitate your investments and ensure a conducive business environment,” he assured prospective investors.

The Minister also commended exhibitors for their resilience and innovation, encouraging them to use the fair to forge strategic partnerships, expand their networks and explore new markets beyond the Northern Region.

He further praised Channel One TV and Citi FM for establishing the fair as a major platform for promoting business development and investment in the region.

The Northern Business Fair 2026 is expected to conclude with new investment commitments, business partnerships and market linkages aimed at positioning the Northern Region as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and economic growth.