Bolgatanga:The Upper East Region is actively pursuing investment opportunities in agro-processing, tourism, renewable energy, and mining to generate jobs and boost economic growth. Mr. Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, emphasized the region’s shift from raw material production to value addition through commercial agriculture and industrial development at the 2026 Regional Investment Roadshow.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event in Bolgatanga was organized by the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) and focused on driving local investments, unlocking regional potential, and mobilizing growth opportunities. Mr. Atanga highlighted rice milling, tomato processing, groundnut and soybean processing, irrigation, livestock production, tourism, and solar energy as key areas for investment.
He pointed out that the Tono, Vea, and Tamne irrigation schemes, along with the region's rice-producing areas and tourism attractions, present significant potential for private-sector investment. Additionally, Hanway International Investment Limited has evaluated the defunct tomato factory, meat factory, and cotton ginnery for possible rehabilitation. The company is also interested in solar energy development and supporting small-scale miners, pending technical and financial assessments.
Mr. Atanga also mentioned the GHS8.6 billion PEARL development framework for 2026-2035, which aims to align government priorities with private investment to support enterprise development and job creation.
Madam Zainabu Issah, GIPA’s Public Relations Officer, noted the significant but underexplored economic potential in the northern regions, particularly in agriculture, mining, and tourism. She stated that GIPA is compiling investment opportunities from all 16 regions for the Invest Ghana Summit in Accra on November 16 and 17. The authority is also collaborating with government agencies to tackle market-access issues facing local businesses, such as farmers struggling with maize and rice distribution.
She added that GIPA's Investor Aftercare and Investors' Grievance Division would engage with affected businesses and institutions to improve distribution networks and reduce post-harvest losses. The roadshow is part of GIPA’s Investment Opportunity Mapping Project, which aims to identify and promote viable investment projects nationwide.