Gov’t backs GH¢8.6bn PEARL framework to transform Upper East

The Government of Ghana has endorsed the proposed GH¢8.6 billion Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework, describing it as a transformative, region-led development blueprint that aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.

The ambitious 10-year strategy is expected to serve as a comprehensive roadmap for unlocking the economic potential of the Upper East Region through coordinated investments in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, entrepreneurship and industrial development.

The government's support was announced by the Senior Presidential Advisor and Coordinator of the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Secretariat, Dr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, during the Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum held in Bolgatanga.

Addressing participants at the forum, Dr. Tanoh described the PEARL Framework as one of the most comprehensive regional development initiatives currently being pursued in Ghana.

"The PEARL Framework is a 10-year integrated development strategy covering all 15 districts of the Upper East Region, with an indicative investment portfolio of approximately GH¢8.6 billion," he stated.

He explained that the framework has been designed to stimulate inclusive economic growth by promoting enterprise development, modernising agriculture, expanding infrastructure, encouraging innovation and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the region.

"It offers a pathway to transform the region through strategic investment, enterprise development, agricultural modernisation, innovation, infrastructure, job creation and, most importantly, resilient livelihoods," Dr. Tanoh added.

Dr. Tanoh emphasised that one of the framework's greatest strengths is that it was conceived and developed by the people of the Upper East Region themselves.

According to him, the initiative reflects the development aspirations, priorities and economic realities of local communities rather than being imposed through a top-down planning process.

He noted that government's role is to create an enabling environment that attracts investment, mobilises resources and facilitates the successful implementation of the region's own development vision.

The Senior Presidential Advisor explained that the PEARL Framework complements government's flagship 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme by promoting value addition, industrialisation, export growth and private sector participation.

He noted that the strategy is expected to encourage investment in key sectors capable of generating employment while improving productivity and expanding economic opportunities across the Upper East Region.

Government believes the framework will also strengthen local industries, improve agricultural value chains, increase manufacturing capacity and enhance the region's competitiveness within both domestic and international markets.

Dr. Tanoh assured residents that President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to ensuring that every region benefits equally from Ghana's development agenda.

He stressed that national development cannot be considered inclusive if regions such as the Upper East are left behind.

"A national programme that does not reach the Upper East Region with the same urgency, commitment and ambition that it brings to every other part of the country is no true national programme," he said

The PEARL Framework is expected to guide development planning across all 15 districts of the Upper East Region over the next decade.

Its strategic focus includes:

• Agricultural modernisation and agribusiness development
• Mining and mineral value addition
• Manufacturing and industrialisation
• Enterprise and SME development
• Tourism promotion
• Road and transport infrastructure
• Skills development and innovation
• Job creation and youth employment
• Climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods

Government officials say coordinated investments across these sectors will help unlock the region's vast economic potential while reducing poverty and creating long-term prosperity.

The proposed framework is currently undergoing stakeholder consultations and validation to ensure broad consensus before full implementation begins.

Once finalised, the PEARL Framework is expected to become the principal investment and development blueprint for the Upper East Region, providing a coordinated approach to infrastructure development, private sector investment and economic transformation.

Officials also believe the initiative could serve as a model for region-driven planning across Ghana by empowering local communities to shape development priorities while supporting national economic objectives.

The government says initiatives such as the PEARL Framework demonstrate its commitment to decentralised development, inclusive growth and building resilient regional economies capable of driving Ghana's long-term transformation.