The Western Region is a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, rich with cocoa, gold, and oil. However, this national wealth has not consistently translated into local prosperity.
With a population of 2,060,585 (6.68% of Ghana’s total), the region is now taking decisive action.
The Western Regional Coordinating Council has re-launched its Investment and Business Centre to unite stakeholders, attract investment, drive innovation, and create jobs to ensure the region benefits directly from its own resources.
In his address at the launch, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson stated that lamenting the region’s lack of development is no longer sufficient.
He called for a collective effort to take control of the region’s destiny, drive its development, and secure the necessary resources and attention.
“The core mission of this centre is to coordinate our natural resources and ensure businesses flourish for the benefit of our people. It is for this reason that we are launching it today.
The journey has just begun, and I am confident that we will soon look back and see the significant progress the Western Region has made. We have lamented for far too long. Now is the time to take the bull by the horns to take control of our own destiny and ensure this region finally receives the attention and benefits its people rightfully deserve.” He stated.
To ensure the centre’s success, a diverse fifteen-board members has been appointed with the Western Regional Minister as the chairman, incorporating key sectors from agriculture and tourism to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Free Zones Board, and other important sectors including traditional authorities.
On behalf of the board, the President of Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Kobina Nketsia V highlighted the central challenge: the region’s resource wealth has not translated into local prosperity.
He praised the initiative, stating it would secure investor confidence and ensure the region benefits from its own investments.
“We must find a way to participate in the utilization of the resources God has naturally endowed us with. This centre is the vehicle we will use to uplift the people of the region and ensure they are an integral part of this process.
Collectively, we must ensure two things: first, that no one invests in the Western Region without our involvement, and second, that our people are central to every investment.
This local partnership provides a fundamental sense of security for any investor, signaling that the community supports their venture.
Let me be clear: no investor comes here for charity. Every investor comes for profit, and we must be part of that profit-making. We need to tap into this wealth so that it can be shared to benefit our people.” He said.
