The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has declared that the Upper East Region is positioning itself to become one of Ghana’s leading industrial and investment destinations through the newly launched PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods) initiative.
Delivering the keynote address at the maiden Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum and Investment Expo 2026 in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister said the region is undergoing a strategic transformation aimed at harnessing its vast natural and human resources to accelerate economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods.
The three-day summit, held under the theme “Charting the Course for PEARL – Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods,” brought together government ministers, Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, development partners, business executives, investors, entrepreneurs and academia to chart a new development path for the Upper East Region.
Mr. Atanga described the PEARL initiative as a home-grown development blueprint designed to unlock the region’s comparative advantages in agriculture, agribusiness, mining, renewable energy, tourism and cross-border trade.
According to him, the Upper East Region possesses some of Ghana’s most fertile agricultural lands, a hardworking and youthful labour force, abundant mineral deposits, favourable climatic conditions for year-round agricultural production through irrigation, and a strategic location that positions it as a gateway to Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel sub-region.
Touching on concerns over security, the Regional Minister assured both local and foreign investors that the region remains peaceful and stable despite occasional misconceptions arising from isolated conflicts.
He noted that the current geopolitical environment of the Upper East Region presents enormous opportunities for commerce and regional integration, adding that government, traditional authorities, religious leaders and residents remain united in safeguarding the peace that continues to make the region attractive for investment.
Mr. Atanga explained that increased investments under the PEARL initiative would stimulate industrial growth, expand agricultural value chains, promote entrepreneurship and create thousands of employment opportunities for young people across the region.
He therefore extended an open invitation to both local and international investors to take advantage of the region’s untapped economic potential.
“I invite investors to partner with us. Invest in our agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, mining, logistics and commerce. The Upper East Region is open for business, and together we can build an economy that benefits everyone,” he added.
Representing President John Dramani Mahama, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring balanced national development through strategic investments in the northern regions.
He said the Mahama administration remains focused on promoting agriculture, agro-industrialisation, infrastructure development, export-led growth and private sector expansion as key pillars for accelerating economic transformation.
Mr. Tanoh described the PEARL initiative as one that aligns with government’s broader development agenda and commended the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council for providing a platform that would attract investment and stimulate enterprise development.
He further disclosed government’s intention to facilitate the construction of an airport in the Upper East Region to improve connectivity, support agricultural exports, boost tourism and position the region as a competitive commercial hub within northern Ghana and the West African sub-region.
Also delivering a solidarity message, the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, pledged the Association’s unwavering support towards the successful implementation of the PEARL Agenda.
He noted that the Upper East Region possesses significant opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, livestock production, shea processing, textiles, handicrafts and cross-border commerce, stressing that the region can become one of Ghana’s fastest-growing economic zones if supported with the right infrastructure, investment and market access.
Mr. Awingobit further applauded the Mahama administration for prioritising local production, industrialisation and trade facilitation through ongoing reforms within Ghana’s ports and logistics sector.
The maiden Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum and Investment Expo 2026 was held from 29th June to 1st July 2026 in Bolgatanga.
The three-day summit was organised by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council in partnership with the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) with support from key government agencies, development partners and private sector stakeholders.
The forum served as a strategic platform for policy dialogue, investment promotion and business networking, culminating in the establishment of sectoral technical working committees to develop actionable policy recommendations aimed at accelerating industrialisation, attracting investment and driving inclusive socio-economic development across the Upper East Region.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the PEARL initiative would become a catalyst for transforming the Upper East Region into a vibrant centre for agriculture, enterprise, trade and sustainable economic growth.