Upper East Economic Development Forum must deliver practical solutions – NPP Secretary
Upper East Economic Forum must deliver practical solutions – NPP Secretary
The Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Chiana-Paga Constituency, Thomas Kwalase, has called for the upcoming Upper East Economic Development Forum to move beyond discussions and produce practical solutions to the region’s persistent economic challenges.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Kwalase described the forum as a commendable initiative that offers a unique platform for stakeholders to develop strategies aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth in the Upper East Region.
He noted that the region’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, cross-border trade, livestock production, the creative arts industry and emerging mining activities, stressing the need for policymakers to prioritize these sectors to unlock their full potential.
Kwalase expressed concern over the difficulties confronting farmers, particularly the rising cost of agricultural inputs and the declining prices of farm produce, warning that failure to address these issues could threaten food security in the region and across the country.
He urged government officials, development partners and other stakeholders expected to participate in the forum to place the concerns of farmers at the centre of deliberations and policy decisions.
The NPP constituency secretary also questioned the effectiveness of road maintenance efforts in the region, citing the continued poor state of many roads despite the acquisition of equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
According to him, discussions at the forum should also focus on ensuring that available resources and development interventions are efficiently utilized to improve infrastructure and support economic activities.
Kwalase further advocated the continuation of key development initiatives started by previous administrations, including the SOCO projects and other agricultural programmes, arguing that development should not be interrupted by changes in political leadership.
He emphasized that the development of the Upper East Region requires collective commitment and should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
“The economic forum is something that we should all embrace. Anything that will enhance the economic development of the Upper East Region should be supported regardless of who started it,” he stated.
The Upper East Economic Development Forum is expected to bring together government officials, development experts, business leaders, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating economic growth and improving livelihoods in the region.
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