The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has called on citizens of the Upper East diaspora to play a key role in the region’s development, urging them to support the implementation of the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework.
He made the appeal during a meeting with a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Carol Ammons, in the United States. The Minister announced plans to establish an independent governance structure to manage funds mobilised for the 10-year development blueprint, assuring stakeholders of transparency and protection from political interference.
According to him, the PEARL Framework will be financed through multiple sources, including central government allocations, the District Assemblies Common Fund, development partners, public-private partnerships, and contributions from citizens at home and abroad.
“The success of PEARL depends on sustainable financing. Every development programme requires reliable sources of funding, and we have carefully identified a range of financing options to support its implementation,” he said.
He described the Upper East diaspora as a critical development partner and urged them to invest in the future of the region, assuring them of credible systems for managing all contributions.
“We want them to invest in the future of the Upper East Region, knowing that there will be credible systems in place to manage every resource contributed,” he added.
The Minister further stated that funds raised under the framework will not be managed by the Regional Coordinating Council, but by an independent governing board made up of key stakeholders.
“We are not going to place these resources under the Regional Coordinating Council for politicians or public officials to use at their discretion. Instead, we will establish an independent governing board that will administer the funds professionally and transparently and ensure regular accountability to the people of the Upper East Region.”
He added that the accountability structure will be developed in collaboration with traditional authorities to safeguard public trust and protect the initiative from political transitions.
