A regional private sector investment and capacity-building forum aimed at strengthening partnerships between local government and private sector actors has been held in Tamale.
It sought to promote women and youth participation in local economic development and enhance private sector readiness to leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
It was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) with funding support from the Peacebuilding Fund Project and formed part of efforts to unlock the investment potential of northern Ghana and promote inclusive economic growth.
It was on the theme: “Accelerating Local Development by Leveraging Private Sector Investment and Partnership.”
Participants included government officials, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development partners to chart a new course for regional development.
Mr Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, speaking during the forum, said it aligned with the UNDP’s commitment to building sustainable livelihoods, greening the planet, empowering women, and youth, and promoting social cohesion.
He said, “This forum is designed to equip women and youth groups in northern Ghana to build resilience and enhance productivity in their communities.”

Mr Banerjee urged the government to prioritise the development of an investment-friendly ecosystem that assured investors of safety and confidence to invest, thereby creating more jobs and business opportunities.
Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of NDPC, whose speech was read on his behalf, emphasised need for a renewed development mindset that empowered local authorities in northern Ghana to take the lead in attracting private sector investments and driving inclusive development.
She called on local government leaders to take ownership of their development agenda by actively pitching district-level investment opportunities, confidently negotiating partnerships, and maintaining credibility in follow-through.
She reiterated the NDPC’s constitutional mandate to ensure equitable development across the country and highlighted the launch of an innovative Investment Toolkit developed in collaboration with the UNDP.
She said, “The toolkit serves as a practical guide for districts to assess investment readiness, identify high-potential sectors, and craft compelling investment cases.”
She challenged financial institutions to innovate and expand accessible financing options for micro and small enterprises, especially those led by women and youth.
Mr Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, emphasised the importance of strong public-private partnerships in creating opportunities for sustainable development.
He announced plans to boost tomato cultivation in the region and promote all-year-round farming through expanded irrigation systems.
He urged private sector actors to prioritise investing in the region to help address local vulnerabilities and enhance economic resilience.