The Ghana Investment Promotion Authority (GIPA) has intensified efforts to attract investment into the Bono East Region, highlighting its strategic location, agricultural potential and opportunities for industrial growth.

The call was made during the Regional Investment Forum in Techiman, which marked the conclusion of GIPA’s Regional Investment Roadshow in the Bono East Region.

Addressing the forum, the Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, said the government’s vision of building a self-reliant economy through private sector-led growth begins with unlocking the region’s economic potential.

He said Bono East’s central location provides significant trade opportunities with neighbouring regions and called on stakeholders to support local businesses and attract investment.

Representing the Techiman Traditional Council, Benkumhene Nana Okogyeaman Kesse Basahyia IV said Bono East, as one of Ghana’s newer regions, must prioritise economic expansion and job creation.

He pledged the support of the traditional authority for initiatives aimed at attracting investors and driving regional development.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GIPA, A. Razak Baba, said the Authority’s objective is not to compete with established economic centres such as Greater Accra and the Western Region but to replicate their investment successes in Bono East.

He said the region’s abundant natural resources present significant opportunities for investors, particularly in agro-processing.

According to him, Bono East and neighbouring areas produce about 70% of Ghana’s cashew crop, making the establishment of local cashew processing factories a viable investment opportunity.

The forum concluded with investment project presentations and an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage stakeholders on investment opportunities and challenges.