UNDP hosts private sector investment forum in Bolgatanga to boost economic development
It forms part of the broader UNDP Peacebuilding Fund Project, which promotes inclusive, community-led economic development as a pathway to peace and resilience.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Government of Ghana and key national and local partners, has hosted a high-level Private Sector Investment Forum and Capacity-Building Workshop in Bolgatanga.
The event aimed to unlock the economic potential of Northern Ghana by fostering stronger partnerships between local authorities, the private sector, civil society, and development actors.
Held at the Extee Crystal Hotel on June 23, the forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), entrepreneurs, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and financial institutions from across the northern zone.
It forms part of the broader UNDP Peacebuilding Fund Project, which promotes inclusive, community-led economic development as a pathway to peace and resilience.
NDPC Boss: Districts Must Be “Chief Investment Officers”
Opening the forum, Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), called for a cultural shift in local governance away from routine administration and toward bold, investment-focused leadership.
“District Assemblies must now be seen not only as public administrators but as chief investment officers of their districts,” she said. “Take ownership of your investment strategies. Pitch your opportunities. Negotiate with confidence. And follow through with credibility.”
Dr. Amoah stressed that while the Northern regions face undeniable development challenges, such as limited financial access and climate vulnerabilities, they also possess immense, practical economic potential in sectors like agriculture, artisanal craft, livestock, solar energy, and eco-tourism.
“The gap between potential and prosperity is not a lack of vision, but rather a lack of investment, coordination, and forward-thinking local leadership.”
Minister Ahmed Ibrahim: Local Government Must Empower Grassroots Investment
Delivering the keynote address, Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, underscored the pivotal role of local governance in driving inclusive investment and cohesive development.
“It is with great honour and privilege that I deliver this statement at this important high-level forum. This event brings together key stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and access to finance for women and youth entrepreneurs.”
He applauded the collaboration among traditional authorities, MMDCEs, entrepreneurs, civil society, and development partners, and emphasised the need to shift from conversation to action.
“We must transition from mere words to concrete actions, utilising all available resources in the districts and regions as a catalyst for productivity and inclusivity.”
Citing growing regional disparities and the potential within Ghana’s youthful population, Ibrahim called for innovative, inclusive strategies to accelerate local growth. He especially acknowledged the centrality of youth and women in development planning.
“Undoubtedly, the role of women and the youth in fostering economic growth and development within our communities is significant.”
He concluded with a call for deeper partnerships and creativity in designing and scaling impactful local investment models:
“Let us seize this opportunity to share experiences, build partnerships, and chart a bold new path for the empowerment of our people and the transformation of our communities.”
UNDP Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth in the North
In a passionate address, UNDP Ghana Resident Representative, Niloy Banerjee, highlighted the urgency of tackling the north-south development divide and underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to unlock Northern Ghana’s full potential.
This forum is not merely about economic growth; it is about transforming communities, unlocking potential, and fostering sustainable prosperity in regions that have long been overlooked.”
Banerjee cited alarming statistics on poverty and unemployment in the northern regions—particularly among women and youth—and called for immediate and collective action from all sectors.
“Imagine a Northern Ghana that is a vibrant hub of agro-industry and trade, where youth and women are empowered, poverty is halved, and innovation thrives even in the most rural villages. This vision cannot be realised in isolation; it requires action, investment, and collaboration.”
He reiterated UNDP’s commitment to inclusive development through initiatives such as the Peacebuilding Fund and Atlantic Corridor projects, which have already empowered over 1,500 youth and women through entrepreneurship support and asset access.
Forum Focuses on Investment, Inclusion, and AfCFTA Readiness
The forum was anchored around three strategic objectives:
– Strengthening partnerships between local governments and the private sector
– Enhancing women’s and youth’s participation in local economic development
– Building private sector capacity to harness opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The Forum concluded with a clear consensus among stakeholders: unlocking the economic potential of Northern Ghana requires coordinated action, strategic investment, and inclusive partnerships.
As government agencies, development partners, and the private sector work together to implement the tools and strategies presented, attention will now shift toward results, measured not only in investment flows, but in livelihoods improved, jobs created, and inequalities reduced.
Mike 105.3FM| Navrongo | Alexander Kubabum
