By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Oct. 16, GNA – The Upper East Region is targeting investment in agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy and mining to create more jobs and to boost economic growth.
Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, said the region was seeking to move from raw material production to value addition through commercial agriculture and industrial development.
“Our challenge is not a lack of opportunities, but how effectively we mobilize investment to harness them,” he said at the 2026 Regional Investment Roadshow in Bolgatanga.
The event, organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA), was held under the theme: “Driving Local Investments – Unlocking Regional Potential; Mapping Opportunities and Mobilizing Growth in the Upper East Region.”
Mr Atanga identified rice milling, tomato processing, groundnut and soybean processing, irrigation, livestock production, tourism and solar energy as key investment opportunities.
He said the region’s Tono, Vea and Tamne irrigation schemes, rice-producing areas and tourism attractions offered considerable potential for private-sector investment.
He also disclosed that Hanway International Investment Limited had assessed the defunct tomato factory, meat factory and cotton ginnery to explore possibilities for their rehabilitation, following his visit to China.
The Minister said the company was also exploring solar energy development and potential support for small-scale miners, subject to technical and financial assessments.
Mr Atanga said the region’s GH¢8.6 billion PEARL development framework for 2026–2035 would help align government priorities with private investment to promote enterprise development and job creation.
Madam Zainabu Issah, the GIPA’s Public Relations Officer, said the authority was gathering investment opportunities from all 16 regions for presentation to prospective investors at the Invest Ghana Summit scheduled for November 16 and 17 in Accra.
She described the northern regions as having significant but underexplored economic potential, particularly in agriculture, mining and tourism.
Madam Issah said the GIPA would also work with relevant government agencies to address market-access challenges facing local businesses, including farmers struggling to distribute their maize and rice.
She said the authority’s Investor Aftercare and Investors’ Grievance Division would facilitate engagements between affected businesses and the appropriate institutions to improve distribution networks and reduce post-harvest losses.
The roadshow is part of the GIPA’s Investment Opportunity Mapping Project, which seeks to identify, package and promote viable investment projects across the country.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email: [email protected]