Takoradi: Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, has stated that the Western Region is uniquely positioned to lead the government's 24-Hour Economy policy aimed at national transformation. With a population exceeding two million and an area spanning nearly 13,842 square kilometers, the region is richly endowed with resources like cocoa, gold, bauxite, manganese, oil and gas, rubber, coconut, and fertile farmlands.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Nelson emphasized that harnessing these natural resources under the 24-hour economy initiative could lay the foundation for generational wealth creation. He made these remarks while delivering a keynote address at the 22nd Annual General Meeting, Exhibition, and Job Fair organized by the Western and Central Regional Branch of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). The event, held in Takoradi, was themed 'Creating a Conducive Business Environment for Industrial Competitiveness: 24-Hour Economy in Perspective.'
Mr Nelson further stated that the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council (WRCC), under his leadership, is proactively engaging private investors in sectors such as agro-processing, petrochemicals, renewable energy, and manufacturing to leverage this policy for sustainable growth. "Our focus is to ensure that value addition becomes the norm, not the exception, and that the wealth generated is retained here within our communities," he said.
He highlighted the importance of internal investment, stressing that while foreign partnerships are critical, local investors must also channel resources into local enterprises to ensure that profits are reinvested in the economy, thus stimulating growth, employment, and shared prosperity. To facilitate this, the WRCC is refurbishing and reactivating its Investment Centre to serve as a one-stop hub for investors, providing market intelligence and connecting businesses with state institutions.
Mr Nelson emphasized that the 24-Hour Economy provides the framework, the region's resources offer the means, and what remains is the collective will to convert opportunities into lasting prosperity. He urged the business community to commit to building an industrial base that sustains the region and empowers future generations. "Let us ensure that the Western region becomes the heartbeat of Ghana's industrial transformation, leading in innovation, productivity, and competitiveness for shared prosperity for all," Mr Nelson added.
Mr Joseph C. Garbrah, the Western and Central Regional Chairman for the AGI, remarked that Ghana, with its wealth of natural resources and untapped potential, is poised for remarkable growth. He noted that creating a conducive business environment is essential to steer the country towards a future of sustainable industrial development that benefits everyone.
