The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pledged its support for the Upper East Region’s 10-year PEARL development framework, urging authorities to invest in skills development so local residents can benefit from emerging mining opportunities.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Alhaji Yusif Sulemana made the call while representing Sector Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah at the launch of the PEARL (Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods) Framework in Bolgatanga.
He said attracting mining investment alone would not guarantee jobs for local people unless the region develops the skilled workforce needed by mining companies.
“Provide the development, provide the human resources. If you do not have the people to recruit, you do not have the skills, you do not have what it takes to meet the needs of the country itself, then you will have to go elsewhere to meet the people,” he said.
Mr. Sulemana urged stakeholders to prioritize investment in education, skills training and workforce development to ensure residents are prepared to take advantage of employment opportunities created by the sector.
“The time has come for us to come together and invest in human resources so that when mining companies are calling for local projects, when they are calling for people to be recruited, we are ready. You may have the technology and the money to initiate, but if you do not have the people you want to recruit, the opportunity will pass you by,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said the ministry shares PEARL’s vision of ensuring that the region’s natural resources contribute to sustainable development through responsible mining and greater local participation.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of my Minister, we are here to make this point clear: Whatever environmental projects the Upper East is undertaking, we want to be part of it. And I want to assure you that whatever contribution I am supposed to make will go to that effort,” he said.
PEARL is a 10-year development framework covering the period from 2026 to 2035. It seeks to transform the Upper East Region through agriculture, agro-industrialization, enterprise development, trade and responsible resource management across all 15 districts.
The initiative comes as gold has been discovered in commercial quantities in 10 of the region’s 15 districts, raising expectations that mining could drive employment, industrialization and broader economic growth.
Mr. Sulemana’s remarks reinforce calls by regional leaders for deliberate investment in skills development to ensure local communities benefit from the anticipated mining expansion.
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