The Government has announced the mobilization of more than US$11.5 billion in prospective investments since the launch of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme in July 2025, Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the Secretariat, Dr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has disclosed.
Speaking at the Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum in Bolgatanga, Dr. Tanoh said the programme is steadily gaining momentum and is expected to create about 1.7 million direct, indirect, and induced jobs through investments in agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and value-added industries.
He explained that the initiative seeks to transform Ghana from an economy that exports raw materials into one that processes locally, adds value, and competes in international markets.
“Since His Excellency launched the programme in July 2025, the Secretariat has mobilised prospective investments exceeding US$11.5 billion, with several agreements already secured to support implementation across key productive sectors,” he stated.
Dr. Tanoh said the proposed Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework for the Upper East Region aligns closely with the objectives of the 24-Hour Economy policy by promoting regional industrialisation, enterprise development, and export-led growth.
“The PEARL Framework fits squarely within the national strategy by promoting regional industrialisation and export-oriented production,” he noted.
He described the Upper East Region as one of Ghana’s most promising investment destinations, citing its fertile agricultural lands, abundant mineral resources, youthful labour force, growing commercial centres, and strategic location as Ghana’s gateway to the Sahel.
“The emergence of large-scale mining operations has further strengthened the region’s strategic importance within Ghana’s economic landscape,” Dr. Tanoh observed.
Beyond gold, he said the region possesses commercially viable deposits of clay, limestone, granite, and manganese, creating opportunities for industries such as ceramics, cement manufacturing, construction materials, and mineral processing.
“The development of these resources must go beyond extraction. The objective is to build industries around them, create decent jobs, and ensure that mineral wealth translates into sustainable prosperity for the people,” he stressed.
Dr. Tanoh also highlighted several flagship projects proposed under the PEARL Framework, including expanded irrigation infrastructure, agro-industrial parks, improved healthcare facilities, agricultural technology institutions, and the long-awaited Bolgatanga Airport.
“As the region emerges as a major hub for agriculture, mining, manufacturing, education, tourism, and cross-border trade, the case for the Bolgatanga Airport has become compelling,” he said.
He disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the government to mobilise resources and strategic partnerships to commence construction of the airport.
“The airport will serve not only the Upper East Region but neighbouring regions and countries by facilitating trade, attracting investment, promoting tourism, supporting emergency response, and strengthening regional integration,” Dr. Tanoh added.
The Senior Presidential Advisor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the PEARL Framework, describing it as a strategic blueprint capable of unlocking the Upper East Region’s economic potential while complementing the national 24-Hour Economy agenda.
The PEARL Framework is a proposed 10-year regional development strategy designed to attract investment, create jobs, and accelerate industrialisation through enterprise development, agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable livelihoods across all 15 districts of the Upper East Region.
