The President of Millar Open University, Professor David Millar, has called on the Upper East Region to align its newly launched Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework with Ghana’s long-term national development agenda, arguing that the region can fast-track its transformation by building on existing national strategies while leveraging its rich cultural and historical assets.
The call was made at the opening of a three-day PEARL Framework forum in Bolgatanga. PEARL is a 10-year (2026–2035) development blueprint aimed at attracting investment, creating jobs and driving economic transformation across the Upper East Region.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Millar said the regional blueprint should complement, rather than operate independently of, Ghana’s 40-year National Development Plan.
“Some time back, I had the opportunity to serve on a committee at the National Development Planning Commission established by President John Mahama to develop Ghana’s 40-year National Development Plan. I must say the plan is very rich and deserves to be endorsed. Many aspects of it are directly relevant to the Upper East Region,” he said.
The academic also encouraged investors and development partners to take advantage of reforms made to some of the region’s flagship industrial projects, noting that earlier concepts have evolved into more diversified investment opportunities.
“Ten years ago, there was a redesign of the former Meat Marketing Board and the Pwalugu Multi-Motor Factory project. Today, these are no longer referred to as the meat factory or tomato processing plant. They have evolved into integrated livestock, multi-fruit and multi-vegetable processing complexes. We encourage investors and stakeholders to study these developments and build upon them,” he said.
The three-day PEARL Framework forum, held from June 29 to July 1 at the Desert Pastures Auditorium in Bolgatanga, was organised by the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council in collaboration with Members of Parliament from the region and the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana.
The PEARL Framework is expected to guide investment and development priorities across the Upper East Region’s 15 districts over the next decade, with a focus on industrialisation, agriculture, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
