The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu has called on the people of the Upper East Region to develop certain factors that will attract investors to the region. He made this call while interacting exclusively on the Day Break Upper East Show on A1 Radio with Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith.
Commenting on the industrialization agenda of the current government, the Minister said some of the government’s projects are more private sector driven. He emphasized that the rationale for partnering with the private sector was to ensure sustainability and continuity of production in the event of a change in government.
Mr. Yakubu further alluded that, considering the history, lineage of policies and politics in this country, it is only realistic to involve the private sector. Therefore, the region needed to do a lot to create factors which could attract investors.
“Yes, you know some of them are more private sector driven, like the 1D1F. You know, our government is geared towards more private partnerships with government. We’re doing this because of the history as a country and the lineage of our policies and also of what we think as a party. If it is private driven it is better it is sustainable and you can always do it.”
“Because if that government is not in power, you know how we play politics in this country, then that particular industry can survive. So, it is up to us as Upper Easterners to be able to develop factors that will attract individuals to always come here and setup a factory.”
According to the Minister, he is working with the various Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region to realize the agenda of attracting investors to the region.
“…that is what I am trying to do with my lieutenants, the DCEs and the Municipal Chief Executives. If you look at Upper East and other regions, you will see that the 1D1F has not taken foot here probably because we haven’t been able to get people coming round. I have actually been a champion of telling my brothers who have money to come up north to invest.”
The Minister said the setting up an operational rice factory in the Fumbisi, in the Builsa South District by a private investor was commendable. He used the opportunity to call on others to do same in other parts of the region.
“Yesterday I was in the Fumbisi Area to inspect a private person who has set up a rice mill. Fantastic! It’s a great job he’s doing. So, we’re trying to attract more people here to invest.”
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gerard Awombadek Asagi|Ghana
