The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has said previous development interventions have failed to transform the Upper East Region to its expected level of development.
This, he said, has necessitated the introduction of a new regional development framework under his leadership known as Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL).
Speaking at a meeting with the Upper East Regional branch of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) in Bolgatanga on Monday, the Minister said the PEARL framework was designed to address gaps in earlier development strategies and provide a more effective roadmap for economic growth and job creation.
According to him, despite benefiting from several development initiatives over the years, including policy frameworks, the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) programme and the Northern Development Authority’s development agenda, the region continues to lag behind in key areas of development.
“This programme has come about not because there were no development plans for the region. But all those frameworks have not positioned the Upper East Region where it ought to be,” he said.
Hon. Akamugri explained that the Regional Coordinating Council conducted extensive reviews of existing development documents to identify shortcomings and missing linkages before developing the PEARL framework.
He dismissed arguments that the region should continue relying on existing plans, stressing that development strategies must be reviewed periodically to reflect changing economic and social realities.
“Society is dynamic and frameworks for development are living documents. When situations change, there is the need to update those documents to respond to the changing realities,” he stated.
The Minister identified agriculture, mining and the border economy as the three strategic sectors capable of driving economic transformation in the region.
While agriculture remains a major economic activity, he noted that mining has become increasingly significant and said the region’s border economy presents substantial untapped opportunities for investment and trade.
With the Upper East Region sharing international borders through about eight districts, Hon. Akamugri said improving border infrastructure and trade corridors could boost cross-border commerce and expand markets for local businesses.
He said the PEARL framework seeks to strengthen the border economy while creating stronger linkages between the mining industry and sectors such as agriculture, education and health.
According to him, the long-term objective is to build a diversified and resilient regional economy that can sustain livelihoods beyond the lifespan of mineral resources.
Meanwhile, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) welcomed the introduction of the framework and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the region’s development agenda.
The Association, which represents 119 registered companies operating in agribusiness, manufacturing, tourism and other sectors, highlighted high electricity tariffs, rising raw material costs, limited access to affordable financing, poor road infrastructure and competition from cheaper imports as key constraints affecting businesses.
