By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Tamale, Oct 14, GNA – Mr Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, has said the region is ready for immediate investment, commercial growth and long-term economic development.
He, therefore, called on investors, financial institutions and development partners to collaborate with the government to harness the region’s economic potential.
Mr John said this in a speech read on his behalf at the Northern Regional Investment Forum, organised in Tamale by the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority as part of its nationwide Investment Opportunities Mapping Project.
He said the region offered significant investment opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, renewable energy, livestock production, tourism, hospitality and logistics, which could create jobs, improve incomes and accelerate economic transformation.
“Our core message is that the Northern Region is a market ready for immediate investment, commercial growth and long-term economic value. Our collective duty now is to secure the right capital, strategic partnerships and lasting dedication to bring these opportunities to life,” the Regional Minister said.
The forum was attended by public officials, business executives, traditional authorities, development partners amongst other key stakeholders to explore investment opportunities, showcase bankable projects and discuss strategies to accelerate economic transformation in the region.
Mr John outlined the region’s potentials and said its population of 2.31 million in the 2021 Population and Housing Census represented not only a substantial workforce but also an expanding consumer market and a strong foundation for new businesses.
He said the region’s strategic location, agricultural resources, youthful population and vibrant commercial activities made it an attractive destination for investments across several sectors.
He mentioned rice, maize, soybeans, groundnuts, yam and shea as key commodities that could support commercial farming and agro-industrial development.
He encouraged investors to explore opportunities in irrigation, agricultural mechanisation, storage facilities, rice milling, soybean processing and shea butter production to reduce post-harvest losses, add value to locally produced commodities and create employment.
He mentioned manufacturing as an important area for investment, especially in garment and textile production, food processing, packaging and other light industries.
Mr John said investments in solar energy, commercial livestock production, tourism and hospitality could further diversify the region’s economy and generate additional income for local communities.
He cautioned prospective investors to undertake proper due diligence and comply with all applicable laws and regulations including those governing business registration, taxation, labour, environmental protection, land acquisition and planning approvals.
Dr Emmanuel Abere-inga, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Development Authority also highlighted the region’s agricultural potentials and said its arable land, fertile soils and water resources made it suitable for various forms of investment, especially in agro-processing and agribusiness.
There were also presentations by officials from the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority and the Ghana Export Promotion Authority which focused on various initiatives by the government to attract investment to the region.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Albert Futukpor
Email address: [email protected]