The Upper East Region has launched a 10-year, GHS 8.6 billion development and investment framework aimed at transforming the region’s economy through agriculture, agro-industrialization, responsible mining, enterprise development and infrastructure.
The framework, known as the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL), was unveiled by Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga during the opening of a three-day stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga.
The plan, which covers the period from 2026 to 2035, targets all 15 districts in the region and is expected to mobilize investment from government, the private sector, development partners, mining revenues and citizens at home and abroad.
Launching the framework, Mr. Atanga said the region possesses abundant human and natural resources that must be translated into economic prosperity.
“The productivity of our farmers, the resilience of our labourers, the richness of our culture, the abundance of our natural resources, and the immense opportunities that await us. Today, we are chosen to redefine that narrative,” he said.
He described PEARL as a roadmap to attract investment, create jobs, improve livelihoods and build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive regional economy.
“Over the course of this framework, we will collectively participate, refine and consolidate it to ensure that it reflects the aspirations and priorities of our people,” he said.
According to the Regional Minister, the GHS 8.6 billion investment portfolio will be financed through government budgetary allocations, revenues from extractive and mining activities, contributions from citizens, development partners and private sector investors.
Mr. Atanga said the recent discovery of gold in commercial quantities across 10 of the region’s 15 districts presents a significant opportunity for economic transformation.
“One of the greatest opportunities we have today is the discovery of gold in commercial quantities across 10 out of our 15 districts, and the emergence of large-scale mining operations such as Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited,” he said.
He stressed that the region must use its mineral resources to stimulate broader economic development rather than relying solely on mineral extraction.
“These developments present a historic opportunity to responsibly harness our mineral wealth to drive industrialization, infrastructural development, enterprise growth, job creation and inclusive prosperity,” he said.
The PEARL Framework is expected to guide investment planning and development partnerships across the Upper East Region over the next decade.
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