Women engaged in shea butter processing and other small businesses in Paga in the Upper East Region could benefit from new investment opportunities under a proposed community development initiative aimed at expanding local enterprises and creating jobs.
The initiative, being promoted by the Chief Executive Officer of Asterix Tourism Services Limited and Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), Roy Page, seeks to connect local businesses with potential investors and markets in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr Page explained that the programme would adopt the Villages as Businesses model, which encourages communities to develop their existing economic activities into commercially viable enterprises.
According to him, the approach would focus on value addition, business development and creating sustainable income opportunities for residents.
He cited shea butter production as one area with significant potential, explaining that women involved in processing the product could earn more if they were supported to participate in value addition and benefit from returns beyond the initial sale of their produce.
Under the proposed arrangement, organisers would explore opportunities to develop value-added products and establish business relationships that allow local producers to benefit from a greater share of the income generated.
Mr Page said the initiative would also prioritise skills development for young people, support for existing businesses and the identification of investment opportunities capable of creating employment within the community.
He explained that the broader objective was to help residents recognise the commercial potential of their existing livelihoods and develop businesses that could contribute to a stronger local economy.
The organisers are working towards making tangible progress by the end of 2026, although specific investment commitments and implementation arrangements have yet to be announced.
Mr Page indicated that the long-term goal was to develop Paga into a community with a more self-sustaining local economy before extending the model to other areas.
The proposed investment programme comes amid efforts by local stakeholders to link Paga’s cultural heritage and tourism potential with broader economic development.
Among those supporting community development and tourism promotion is Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement and Managing Director of Kacstone Records.
Mr Aborah has been involved in initiatives to promote Paga’s cultural identity and support efforts towards the redevelopment of the historic Pikworo Slave Camp.
The proposed programme could complement these activities by creating opportunities for local producers, entrepreneurs and young people to participate more actively in the community’s economic development.
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