Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin with other stakeholders opening the second edition of the summit in Tamale
The Center for Policy Development in collaboration with the University for Development Studies, Northern Development Authority and other agencies has organized the 2nd edition of the Northern Trade, Industry, and Investment Summit (NTIS).
The Summit is a collaborative effort by the partners to identify and empower the private sector particularly Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) for capacity-building, production expansion, export and industry promotion and value addition to non-traditional export products.
The summit is envisaged to help accelerate economic development, attract investment with the main aim of creating employment and improving the livelihood of the people in Northern Ghana.
It was under the theme, “Enhancing Trade and Industry in Northern Ghana through Capacity Development and Strategic Investment”.
The Summit is planned as a week-long program to encompass a diverse range of activities including a culturally enriching durbar, a business seminar, a trade fair and a business awards night expected to attract at least 500 delegates drawn from diverse industries and sectors in the country.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who was the Special Guest of Honour, encouraged entrepreneurs in the five regions of the North to collaborate with each other for the success of their businesses.
“Let the summit be a catalyst for expanding your ambitions and embrace the capacity building opportunities and let’s strategically partner each other to fuel successes of our businesses”.
The Speaker called on patrons to ensure that the current peace is sustained for more developmental initiatives to come to the north.
Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Lawyer Sulley Sambian, said the 2nd edition of the Summit signifies a crucial step towards fostering growth, prosperity, and sustainable development across the five regions of the north.
“I am deeply committed to driving progress and transformation in our communities through collaborative efforts, by leveraging the coordination mandate of the Authority, to harmonize all relevant development interventions and programmes tailored for the Zone. This Summit serves as a platform to showcase the immense potential of our zone, highlighting the opportunities that exist for trade, industry, investment, and the overall improvement of livelihoods,” he said.
According to him, the NDA’s vision for the zone is to transform it into a hub of economic activity, a beacon of progress, and a model for sustainable development.
“At the heart of the NDA Medium Term Development Strategy lies a commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This includes providing access to infrastructure, promoting ease of doing business, and ensuring a skilled workforce that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving economy,” he said.
By Eric Kombat, Tamale