Tamale, July 27, 2026: Northern Ghana is no longer being talked about as a potential future; it is now being introduced as a current force by Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga, emphasising that the next phase in the economic development of Ghana will not take the country’s economy. This was the message from Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga, emphasising that the next phase in the economic development of Ghana will not take place only on the streets of big cities but also in rural areas, where people have been able to create jobs and goods out of the available resources. The above statements were made during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Northern Business Fair in Tamale on July 26, 2026.
While addressing an audience of investors, businessmen and other stakeholders, Mr Atanga pointed out that the true strength of Ghana’s economy lies in the creativity of its people. He particularly focused on the efforts made by the local entrepreneurs in sectors such as agribusiness, handicrafts, textiles and food production. The event, which attracted different players from all the five northern regions, was a clear demonstration of resilience as well as ambition, meaning that the locally produced products are becoming more significant in the national economic discourse.
His remarks also positioned northern development within the scope of President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” initiative, which, as he mentioned, focuses on industrialisation, local production, value addition, improved access to funding, and stronger involvement in the African Continental Free Trade Area. In this vision, Northern Ghana is seen as a valuable area with rich soil, natural resources, cultural history, and a young, eager population that can start new businesses if given the right financial support.
However, the minister’s message had not only potential – it was also about urgency. According to him, tapping that potential would mean deeper collaboration between government, the private sector, banks, development partners and entrepreneurs. He asked the investors to see the Northern Business Fair as not just an exhibition but also a start of future cooperation, market expansion and investment flows. He also urged businesses to innovate, enhance the quality of goods and services and use digital means to make their offer known to the clients all over Ghana, Africa and beyond.
The 2026 Northern Business Fair appears to have achieved more than just showcasing products thanks to sponsorship from Ecobank, the National Petroleum Authority, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and Northshore Apparel Ghana Ltd. The fair provided a snapshot of the region’s ambition to transform from the realm of possibility to the land of opportunity.
