Joseph Nelson (2R) with his guests
Government institutions responsible for investment and export promotion have been urged to strengthen their engagement with the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) to maximise the region’s economic potential.
The Western Region has a strong productive base and a wide range of exportable products, making closer collaboration among the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) and the WRCC essential to attracting investments that can create jobs, increase production and boost exports.
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, made the call when the Chief Executive Officer of GEPA, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, paid a courtesy call on him during his tour of the region.
The Minister said the nation’s persistent reliance on imports made it necessary for the country to expand domestic production and intensify efforts to promote exports.
He identified the Western Region as a key contributor to that agenda because of its natural resources, industrial activities and strategic economic position.
Mr. Nelson, however, raised concerns about inadequate information sharing between the regional administration and investment promotion institutions.
He said the WRCC was often unaware of companies operating in the region, despite their registration by agencies such as GIPA.
“When you register companies, for example, and they come to the region, the WRCC does not know of them. How do we complement the effort? How do we support them?” he asked.
According to him, the lack of coordination could limit the region’s ability to support investors and respond effectively to challenges, including disputes between companies and host communities.
The Minister therefore called for a structured system through which investment and export promotion agencies would regularly share information with the WRCC and coordinate their activities.
He said greater collaboration would prevent state institutions from working in isolation and enable them to combine their respective mandates and networks to create a stronger investment environment.
“It will also help boost the Western Region’s contribution to Ghana’s export and economic development agenda,” he added.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi