Technology and skills needed to drive Upper East region’s development – Akamugri Donatus Atanga

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has identified technology transfer and skills development as important priorities in the region’s efforts to accelerate economic growth.

He said partnerships with international institutions and businesses, particularly those from South Korea, could help equip young people with relevant technical skills while improving productivity in key sectors of the regional economy.

The Minister made the point in remarks delivered on his behalf by Ms Anatu Anne Seidu Bogobiri Esq. at the Ghana–Korea Business Forum 2026, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra on November 5.

He explained that the Upper East Region was interested in practical cooperation involving drone technology, satellite applications, precision agriculture, geospatial mapping, cybersecurity and other digital solutions.

According to him, these technologies could help address some of the challenges facing agriculture, planning and service delivery across the region.

He identified irrigation schemes such as Tono, Vea and Tamne as potential areas for the application of drone technology and precision agriculture. Such initiatives could support more informed agricultural decisions and improve the management of available resources.

The Minister also proposed the use of geospatial technology to assist district assemblies with mapping and planning.

Beyond the introduction of technology, he stressed the need to train local people to operate, maintain and develop the systems being introduced.

He identified the Bolgatanga Technical University (BTU), the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in Navrongo and technical institutions in the region as potential partners for training and capacity development.

The proposed areas of training include drone piloting, technical maintenance, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cybersecurity and coding.

He said the objective was to ensure that young people in the region acquired practical skills that could prepare them for employment and participation in emerging areas of the economy.

The Minister further highlighted opportunities for cooperation in water treatment, purification and irrigation technology, particularly in communities where access to reliable water remains important for households and agricultural activities.

He indicated that the Regional Coordinating Council and its partners had been exploring a cooperation framework with A-Tech Group Korea, involving drone and satellite technology, skills training, academic exchange and the revival of agro-industrial assets.

The framework, he noted, had been consolidated into a Memorandum of Understanding, although it remained subject to approval by all relevant authorities.

As part of the proposed next steps, the Minister outlined a possible drone and precision agriculture pilot at Vea or Tono in the next farming season. He also proposed establishing a skills training centre at Bolgatanga Technical University in collaboration with UTAS.

A community water treatment demonstration in one district was another proposed activity, alongside a visit by a Korean business delegation to Bolgatanga.

He said a joint working group involving the Regional Coordinating Council, A-Tech Group and the universities would help move discussions from general expressions of interest towards practical agreements.

The Minister maintained that technology partnerships must strengthen local expertise and create opportunities for the region’s young people rather than leave communities dependent on external technical support.