Despite Northern Ghana’s vast potential in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, local businesses especially those led by women and youth continue to face barriers to growth. These include limited access to finance, markets, and targeted support systems that match the region’s unique development context.
To address these gaps and create a platform for inclusive dialogue, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, convened a series of Regional Forums for Private Sector Investment in Bolgatanga, Tamale, and WA.
“The rationale behind the forum is to address long-standing issues of exclusion by promoting inclusive investment and development,” said Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. “It will go a long way to forge strategic partnerships and create the right environment for coordinated financing and investment.”
The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders to align around investment opportunities, export readiness, and the need to connect local economic assets with national and regional markets. It also provided a space to build consensus on how to better support entrepreneurs with tools, knowledge, and access to capital.
“These forums are part of our broader commitment to promote inclusive, locally driven development,” said Niloy Banerjee, UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana. “By creating spaces where government, the private sector, and communities can align around strategic goals, we aim to develop a long-term investment and economic opportunity especially for women and youth.”
A recurring theme across the three forums was the need to create investment pathways that are accessible and responsive to the realities of women and youth-led businesses.
In WA, panellists shared recommendations for expanding access to finance, including, Flexible loan schemes with low collateral requirements, Blended finance models that combine grants with soft loans and Support for community-based mechanisms such as Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and cooperatives
“If we want more women to succeed, we must stop offering generic solutions,” said Hajia Saudatu Mohammed, CEO of Life Again. “Let’s design investments that meet women where they are with flexibility, mentorship, and real support”.
Participants also emphasized the importance of mentorship, networking, and collaboration.
“Don’t work in isolation,” said Kala Gaeten, CEO of Kalgaston Farms. “Build networks with others in your sector. Share ideas, learn together, and grow together. That’s how small businesses become resilient”.
On his part, Prof. Stanley Kojo Darry, from the University for Business and Integrated Development Studies in Wa added that “Access to resources is important, but mindset is everything. Young entrepreneurs must believe in their potential, stay committed, and be willing to adapt to grow.”
The forums also highlighted the critical role that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must play in promoting private sector-led development. Speakers called for a shift in how local authorities approach economic development regulatory administrators to proactive drivers of investment and growth.
“With the right investment strategies, District Assemblies can evolve into entrepreneurial leaders,” said Dr. Audrey Smock Amoah, Director-General of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). “They must take ownership of their investment plans and lead efforts to attract partnerships that create real jobs and long-term value.”
As the final session concluded in WA, the consensus was clear: the potential of Northern Ghana is vast but unlocking it will require more than discussion. It demands coordinated action, targeted investment, and local ownership of solutions.
“We cannot keep planning without acting,” stressed Hon. Ibrahim Tia, North East Regional Minister. “We must now focus on implementing the strategies developed, especially those that empower women and youth at the local level.”
By bringing together key actors, the Regional Forums for private sector investment provide a strong foundation for community-led economic transformation by connecting communities, institutions, and investors around a common goal to build resilient local economies that drive inclusive growth and promote peace.
For women like Salifu Mary and for countless youth-led businesses, they are ready to take charge. And with the right support, the promise of inclusive investment in Northern Ghana can be fulfilled.
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