Northern Regional Minister Launches 3rd Northern Trade, Industry, and Investment Summit

The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali John Adoif, has launched the 3rd Northern Trade, Industry, and Investment Summit in Tamale, under the theme: “Enhancing Trade and Industrial Growth through Strategic Investment and Accelerated Export.”

The summit brought together investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development actors to foster strategic partnerships, address challenges, and explore solutions that can drive economic growth in the Northern Region and beyond.

In his keynote address, Hon. Ali John Adoif emphasized that the Northern Region is not only rich in natural resources but also in human capital, cultural heritage, and cross-border trade potential. He highlighted that the region’s vast arable lands, emerging agro-industries, and youthful entrepreneurial population present significant opportunities for agro-processing and industrialization.

“What we need now is targeted investment—investment that is smart, sustainable, and inclusive. Investment that brings jobs, improves infrastructure, builds local capacity, and opens markets beyond our borders,” he stated.

He underscored the importance of export-oriented industrialization, urging stakeholders to add value to locally grown produce and connect Northern Ghana’s industries to international markets, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting industrialization and investment nationwide through programs such as: The Big Push Initiative, the 24-Hour Economy and business Development & Entrepreneurship SupportAgriculture and Agri-Business Development.

These initiatives, he said, aim to build a resilient and diversified economy that ensures inclusive growth across all regions of Ghana.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Francis Kojo Arthur, Esq., reaffirmed GEPA’s mandate to develop and promote Ghana’s exports by implementing strategies that provide international market exposure and revenue generation opportunities for businesses.

He noted that the Northern Region is endowed with high-value agricultural commodities such as:
• Cashew nuts, shea butter, groundnuts, soybeans, rice, fonio, sesame, onion, millet
• Handcrafted items like basketry, leather products, textiles, and garments
“These resources hold immense economic potential, but they must be tapped and processed into marketable products.

This summit serves as a platform to attract local and foreign investors who can help harness these opportunities,” he stated.

Mr. Arthur added that GEPA is ready to support the government’s Accelerated Export Development Agenda, which seeks to position exports as a key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation.

The Executive Director of the Center for Policy Development, Ismail Yahuza, outlined the core objectives of the summit, which include:
• Creating jobs and reducing unemployment
• Uplifting the people of the North through economic empowerment
• Bridging the development gap between Northern and Southern Ghana

To achieve these goals, the summit will feature a grand durbar, business conferences, trade exhibitions, and an awards night to recognize outstanding businesses and entrepreneurs who contribute to economic growth in the region.

The 3rd Northern Trade, Industry, and Investment Summit serves as a critical platform for positioning Northern Ghana as a major industrial and trade hub. Through strategic investments, policy interventions, and enhanced trade facilitation, the summit aims to unlock the region’s full economic potential and contribute significantly to Ghana’s national industrialization and export drive.

Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku