The Regional Minister for Ahafo,Hon Charity Gardner, has delivered a compelling vision for the region’s economic future, calling on entrepreneurs and stakeholders to capitalize on the vast untapped potential of the area.
Speaking at a high-profile business retreat held yesterday at the Zeniel Oasis Hotel in Goaso, the Minister set a rigorous agenda for regional development, emphasizing industrialization, structural formalization, and security.
In a distinctive keynote address, Hon. Charity Gardner highlighted the Ahafo Region’s status as a burgeoning economic hub. She detailed the “comparative advantages” the region holds in several key sectors, urging both local and external investors to look toward the land’s natural and human resources.
The Minister specifically identified the following sectors as primary drivers for wealth creation:
Mining: Leveraging the mineral wealth of the region for sustainable growth.
Agriculture and Agribusiness: Scaling up crop production to meet national demands.
Poultry and Animal Husbandry: Tapping into the high demand for protein and livestock products within the West African sub-region.
Strengthening the Business Backbone: Records and Registration
A central theme of the Minister’s presentation was the transition from informal to formal business operations. She noted that for businesses in Ahafo to scale and access global credit facilities, meticulous record-keeping and official business registration are non-negotiable.
“To build a resilient economy, we must move beyond subsistence. Proper documentation and registration are the bridges that connect our local entrepreneurs to the international market,” the Minister stated.
To support this transition, she announced the immediate establishment of the Ahafo Regional Development Committee. This new framework is designed to serve as the primary engine for coordinating developmental agendas and ensuring that business growth aligns with the region’s long-term strategic goals.
Recognizing that commerce relies heavily on the ease of movement, Hon. Gardner reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to aggressive road infrastructure development. She indicated that several road projects are currently underway or in the pipeline, aimed at linking production centers in rural Ahafo to urban markets and export gateways.
The Minister emphasized that improved “communication and movement” are the twin pillars that will lower the cost of doing business and increase the region’s competitiveness.
Security: A Prerequisite for Prosperity
Addressing the concerns of the investor community, the Minister underscored the proactive security measures being taken. She praised the collaboration between her office and the various Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
She assured attendees that the regional security apparatus is fully committed to creating a “safe haven” for businesses, ensuring that investments are protected and that the region remains free from disruptions that hinder economic progress.
The Minister concluded her address by re-echoing a powerful mantra: “Ahafo First.” This philosophy, she explained, is a call to action for all residents and business owners to prioritize local development, support indigenous industries, and work collectively to put the region on the map as a leader in Ghanaian industrialization.
The retreat, attended by captains of industry, traditional leaders, and administrative heads, marks a significant milestone in the Ahafo Region’s journey toward becoming an economic powerhouse.
