Tamale: A regional private sector investment and capacity-building forum aimed at strengthening partnerships between local government and private sector actors has been held in Tamale. It sought to promote women and youth participation in local economic development and enhance private sector readiness to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to Ghana News Agency, the forum was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), with funding support from the Peacebuilding Fund Project. This initiative is part of efforts to unlock the investment potential of northern Ghana and promote inclusive economic growth. The event was held under the theme: 'Accelerating Local Development by Leveraging Private Sector Investment and Partnership.'
Participants included government officials, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development partners, all collaborating to chart a new course for regional development. Mr. Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, noted that the forum aligns with the UNDP's commitment to building sustainable livelihoods, empowering women and youth, and promoting social cohesion. He stated, "This forum is designed to equip women and youth groups in northern Ghana to build resilience and enhance productivity in their communities."
Mr. Banerjee also urged the government to develop an investment-friendly ecosystem to assure investors of safety and confidence, thereby creating more jobs and business opportunities. Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of NDPC, emphasized the need for a renewed development mindset empowering local authorities in northern Ghana to attract private sector investments and drive inclusive development.
She called on local government leaders to take ownership of their development agenda by actively pitching district-level investment opportunities and maintaining credibility in follow-through. Dr. Amoah highlighted the launch of the innovative Investment Toolkit, developed in collaboration with the UNDP, which serves as a practical guide for districts to assess investment readiness and craft compelling investment cases.
Mr. Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister, underscored the importance of strong public-private partnerships in creating opportunities for sustainable development. He announced plans to boost tomato cultivation in the region and promote year-round farming through expanded irrigation systems. Mr. Tia urged private sector actors to prioritize investing in the region to address local vulnerabilities and enhance economic resilience.
