A photo representing the 24-Hour Economy policy
Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, says the region is uniquely positioned to spearhead the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy for national transformation.
According to him, with a population of over two million people, and an area of nearly 13,842 square kilometres, the region was richly endowed with cocoa, gold, bauxite, manganese, oil and gas, rubber, coconut, and fertile farmlands.
He added that these natural resources, if harnessed with foresight under the 24-hour economy initiative would provide the foundation for generational wealth creation for all.
He said this when he delivered a keynote address at the 22nd Annual General Meeting, and Exhibition and Job Fair, organised by the Western and Central Regional Branch of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
The event, held in Takoradi, was on the theme: “Creating a Conducive Business Environment for Industrial Competitiveness: 24-Hour Economy in Perspective.”
Nelson stated that the Western Regional Co-ordinating Council (WRCC), under his leadership was already proactively engaging private investors in agro-processing, petrochemicals, renewable energy and manufacturing to take full advantage of the policy for sustainable growth.
“Our focus is to ensure that value addition becomes the norm, not the exception, and that the wealth generated is retained here within our communities.
“This is why I must stress the importance of internal investment, because while foreign partnerships remain critical, it is equally vital that local investors channel their resources into our enterprises, and only then can we ensure that profits are reinvested in our economy, stimulating growth, employment, and shared prosperity.”
To this end, Nelson noted that the WRCC was refurbishing and reactivating its Investment Centre to serve as a one-stop hub for investors.
This Centre, he stated, would facilitate partnerships, provide market intelligence, and connect businesses with state institutions to accelerate private sector growth.
He said, “The 24-Hour Economy provides us with the framework, the abundant resources of our region provide us with the means, and what remains is our collective will to convert these opportunities into lasting prosperity.”
The Western Regional Minister, thus, tasked that business community to commit to building an industrial base that not only sustained the region, but also empowered future generations.
“Let us ensure that the Western and region becomes the heartbeat of Ghana’s industrial transformation, leading in innovation, productivity, and competitiveness for shared prosperity for all,” Nelson added.
Joseph C. Garbrah, the Western and Central Regional Chairman for the AGI, said Ghana with its wealth of natural resources and untapped potential, was poised for remarkable growth, noting that creating a conducive business environment was essential to steer the county towards a future of sustainable industrial development that benefited everyone.
