Day one of Upper East PEARL Framework forum opens with strong calls to prioritise regional development
Stakeholders at the PEARL Framework forum in Bolgatanga have called for stronger collaboration, investment, and policy support to accelerate development in the Upper East Region.
The three-day development forum on the prosperity through enterprise, agriculture, resilience and livelihoods (PEARL) Framework 2026–2035 officially commenced in Bolgatanga on Monday, June 29, with stakeholders making a passionate call for renewed commitment to the socio-economic transformation of the Upper East Region.
The opening day’s engagement, held at the Desert Pastures Auditorium, brought together government officials, Members of Parliament, policymakers, business leaders, traditional authorities, representatives of the mining industry, development partners, investors and civil society organisations to deliberate on strategies for unlocking the region’s development potential.
Delivering the keynote address, the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, stressed that the region’s development should not be measured by the abundance of its natural resources but by its ability to harness those resources for the benefit of its people.
“The true measure of our development is not determined by the abundance of natural resources beneath the soil, but by our ability to transform them into meaningful opportunities that improve the lives of our people,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Regional Coordinating Council’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment and partnerships, describing the Upper East Region as open and ready for business.
“The Upper East Region is open for business. We are ready to partner, innovate, invest and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to build a dynamic, resilient and competitive regional economy,” Atanga stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Upper East Regional Caucus of Members of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, advocated deliberate investment in the region’s textile, craft and artisanal industries as a means of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
He urged stakeholders to support local women to expand the production of high-quality smocks and other locally manufactured products.
“We must deliberately promote the textile, craft and artisanal industries. By supporting more women to produce high-quality smocks and other locally made products, we can create sustainable livelihoods, preserve our cultural heritage and drive broader economic growth,” he noted.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, in a speech delivered on his behalf, pledged Parliament’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the PEARL Framework through the necessary legislative backing.
He also announced a personal donation of GH¢100,000 to support the implementation of the initiative, describing the framework as a transformative blueprint for the region’s future.
Several development partners, investors and other stakeholders also reaffirmed their readiness to collaborate with the Regional Coordinating Council and other partners to ensure the successful implementation of the framework.
The opening session featured a comprehensive presentation on the vision, strategic priorities and implementation framework of the PEARL initiative.
Discussions over the remaining two days are expected to focus on sector-specific interventions, policy recommendations and strategies for mobilising resources to drive the framework’s implementation.
The PEARL Framework 2026–2035 is designed to accelerate the Upper East Region’s development through enterprise development, agricultural transformation, resilience building and sustainable livelihood opportunities, with the overarching goal of fostering inclusive economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.
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