The Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga has called for stronger investment in Northern Ghana’s businesses, urging government, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector to deepen collaboration to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Delivering the closing address at the 2026 Northern Business Fair in Tamale on behalf of the five Regional Ministers in the North, Mr. Atanga said sustainable economic transformation would depend on stronger partnerships that support local enterprises, expand access to finance and create opportunities for businesses to grow.
The annual fair, organised by Channel One TV and Citi FM at Jubilee Park, showcased businesses operating in agribusiness, manufacturing, handicrafts, textiles, food processing and other sectors across Northern Ghana.
Mr. Atanga said the event had once again highlighted the creativity, resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs in Northern Ghana, and demonstrated their capacity to transform local resources into competitive products and create employment.
He noted that Ghana’s long-term economic growth would not be driven solely by its major cities but also by communities where local businesses are adding value, expanding production and generating jobs.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda to accelerate industrialisation, strengthen local production, improve access to finance and position Ghanaian businesses to benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He urged exhibitors to view the business fair as the beginning of new commercial relationships rather than the conclusion of an exhibition, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, improve product quality and adopt digital technologies to reach customers across Ghana and international markets.
Mr. Atanga also appealed to consumers to prioritise Made-in-Ghana products, saying increased patronage of locally manufactured goods would support domestic industries, create jobs and stimulate national economic growth.
He called on financial institutions, investors and development partners to increase support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), arguing that improved access to finance, technology and business development services would enable the sector to drive industrialisation, exports and employment.
The Minister expressed optimism that partnerships established during the fair would translate into long-term investments and business expansion across Northern Ghana.
He also paid tribute to the late Yaa-Naa Abubakari Mahama II, describing his passing as a significant loss to Dagbon and Ghana. On behalf of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and the people of the Upper East Region, he extended condolences to the Dagbon Royal Family and prayed for strength for those mourning the late Overlord.
Mr. Atanga congratulated Channel One TV, Citi FM, exhibitors, sponsors and development partners for the successful organisation of the 2026 Northern Business Fair, expressing confidence that the event would continue to promote enterprise development, attract investment and contribute to sustainable economic transformation in Northern Ghana.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
