Lawyer Sulley Sambian with chiefs at the Summit
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), Lawyer Sulley Sambian, has launched the second edition of the Northern Trade, Industry and Investment Summit at the Dungu campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS).
This year’s summit themed, ‘Enhancing Trade and Industries in Northern Ghana through Capacity Development and Strategic Investment’ is aimed at creating a robust platform that unites businesses, enhancing their capabilities across various sectors of trade and industries.
It will also create the platform for businesses to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), commended the Center for Policy Development for spearheading a great initiative adding that it is a testament of how much can be accomplished with the concerted effort of all partnering agencies.
“Indeed, I feel elated to state that the objectives for the Northern Trade, Industry and Investment Summit resonates well with laid down strategic plans by the NDA to collaborate with like-minded organizations and development partners to promote a vibrant private sector in Northern Ghana,” he said.
According to him, the NDA in the effort to put plans into action, co-created and launched a 5-Year Medium Term Development Strategy (MTDS) in the year 2022 with the support of a wide range of stakeholders including development partners, notably the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
“The Strategy, dubbed “Agenda for Rapid Transformation and Job Creation” has six (6) strategic objectives with objective 5 tailored to outlining the implementation of private sector initiatives in Northern Ghana to achieve the highest sustainable economic growth, boost employment and ultimately uplift the living standards of the people.”
He indicated that trade and investment are important development issues and therefore of a priority for the NDA.
Lawyer Sambian assured that the Authority is open to constructive dialogue, collaboration, and engagements to push forth the collective agenda, and called on all partner agencies to offer their fullest commitment and support.
Executive Director of the Center for Policy Development, Ismail Yahuza, at the launch noted that there has been a huge gap between the north and the south in terms of output when it comes to trade.
“We think as a country we haven’t leveraged on the business and trade area such that we can make the best out of it hence our decision to organize the annual summit to champion and promote trade and industry in northern Ghana.”
He revealed that this year’s summit scheduled from May 14-19, 2024, would encompass a diverse range of activities, including a culturally enriching durbar to open the summit, a trade and exhibition fair, and a business awards night.
He called on traditional leaders, stakeholders, the business community to support them to ensure that the program is successful.
“Let’s use this platform to champion economic development that can lead to job creation, reduce poverty and enhance the living standards of the people of the north.”
BY Eric Kombat, Dungu