By Samuel SAM
The Northern Trade Industry and Investment Summit (NTIIS) second edition, aimed at promoting non-traditional exports from the five regions of the North, is underway in Tamale, Northern Region capital.
The five-day event, organised by the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) under the theme ‘Enhancing trade and industry in Northern Ghana through capacity development and strategic investment’, brought together stakeholders from the trade and investment sectors to promote economic growth and development in the region.
In collaboration with the University for Development Studies, Northern Development Authority, Ghana Enterprises Agency, Ghana Export Promotion Authority(GEPA), Ghana Freezones Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Tourism Authority(GTA) and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, the event aims to identify and empower private sector outfits for capacity building, production expansion, export and industry promotion and value addition to non-traditional export products.
It is also to accelerate economic development, attract investment and create employment and improve the livelihoods of people in northern Ghana.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin,, said promoting investment in sectors that have the potential to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities will help to bring about development.
It therefore behoves government and partners to collaborate with the private sector to adopt sustainable practices, promote inclusive growth and empower marginalised communities to ensure the benefits of economic progress are shared equitably across the country, he said.
According to him, the summit should serve as a tool for unlocking opportunities in the region and beyond.
He called on people of the north to strive for development in order to bridge the gap between north and south.
He assured the parliament of Ghana is committed to improving and approving policies that empower entrepreneurs to enhance the skills of workers and attract investment into the country.
The Chief Executive Officer-Northern Development Authority (NDA), Sulley Sambian, said the Authority is working hard on driving progress and transformation in communities through collaborative efforts by leveraging the Authority’s coordination mandate to harmonise all relevant development Interventions and programmes tailored for the zone.
This summit serves as a platform to showcase the immense potential of our zone, highlighting the opportunities that exist for trade, industry, investment and the overall improvement of livelihoods, he said.
In this zone, where the potential for growth is vast and opportunities are enormous, we are committed to fostering an environment that drives industrialisation and attracts investments, he explained.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, K.B. Asante, representing CEO Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, called for more women’s participation in entrepreneurship, adding that “GEA’s doors are open to support women in this endeavour”.
Chief Executive Officer-GEPA, Osafohene Dr. Afua Asabea Asare I, represented by Northern Regional Director-GEPA Seidu Saaka Bakari said the region is endowed with high-value agricultural and handicraft products; and GEPA has taken strategic actions to support the development and promotion of these products for the export market.
He reiterated the authority’s commitment to boosting non-traditional exports from the Regions.
