Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, has called on local government authorities to take charge of their development agenda by actively promoting investment opportunities, confidently negotiating partnerships, and demonstrating credibility through effective follow-through.
In a speech delivered on her behalf at a regional investment and capacity-building forum in Tamale, Dr. Amoah underscored the need for a transformative development mindset. She urged district leaders to position themselves as strategic actors in attracting private sector investments to fuel inclusive and sustainable development.
“The NDPC, by its constitutional mandate, is committed to ensuring equitable development across all parts of the country,” she said. “To that end, we have partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch an innovative Investment Toolkit. This toolkit will guide districts in assessing investment readiness, identifying high-potential sectors, and crafting compelling investment pitches.”
Dr. Amoah also issued a challenge to financial institutions to broaden access to financing for micro and small enterprises, particularly those led by women and youth, whom she described as vital to Ghana’s long-term economic resilience.
The forum, themed “Accelerating Local Development by Leveraging Private Sector Investment and Partnership,” was organized by UNDP in collaboration with the NDPC and funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund Project. It forms part of a broader strategy to unlock the untapped investment potential of northern Ghana and encourage inclusive economic participation, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Participants at the event included government officials, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, all committed to crafting new models for regional development and investment.
UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Mr. Niloy Banerjee, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting sustainable livelihoods, environmental protection, gender empowerment, and social cohesion.
“This forum is designed to strengthen the resilience of communities in northern Ghana by equipping women and youth with the tools they need to thrive,” Mr. Banerjee stated. He further called on the government to foster an investment-friendly environment that ensures investor confidence, safety, and long-term impact.
Representing the North East Regional Minister, a spokesperson highlighted the need for strong public-private partnerships in achieving the region’s development goals. He announced plans to expand tomato cultivation and promote all-year farming through enhanced irrigation infrastructure, and called on the private sector to invest in the region to combat vulnerabilities and boost economic resilience.
The event marks a key step in Ghana’s efforts to decentralize development and empower local authorities to lead in shaping their economic futures.
