GH¢8.6bn PEARL plan: Upper East opens doors to Korean investors – Anatu Bogobiri Esq

The Upper East Regional Coordinating Council has presented its GH¢8.6 billion development framework to South Korean investors, seeking partnerships to transform agriculture, infrastructure, industry and livelihoods across the region.

The ten-year plan, known as the PEARL Framework 2026–2035, is designed to guide investment across all 15 districts and municipalities, eight sectors and 23 flagship projects.

Anatu Seidu Bogobiri Esq, speaking on behalf of Upper East Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga at the Ghana–Korea Business Forum 2026 in Accra on Thursday, November 5, said the framework provides a clear direction for investors interested in the region.

PEARL stands for Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods.

She said the plan had been validated through consultations with traditional leaders, District Assemblies, farmers, women’s groups, traders and private-sector representatives in Bolgatanga.

“The Upper East has the land,we have the people and now the plan. What we seek from Korea is the know-how and partnership to move faster,” she said.

The region is positioning its existing resources and infrastructure as investment opportunities for Korean businesses.

These include the Tono, Vea and Tamne irrigation schemes, which support dry-season farming, as well as agro-industrial facilities such as the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, Zuarungu Meat Factory, Pusu-Namongo cotton ginnery and Bolgatanga rice mills.

Other opportunities include livestock and guinea fowl production, gold resources around Talensi and the Paga border corridor, which provides access to markets in the Sahel.

Mad. Bogobiri said the region wanted partnerships that would introduce technology, strengthen local institutions and create sustainable economic opportunities.

To improve coordination and accountability, the Regional Coordinating Council intends to serve as the single point of contact for Korean investors, facilitating engagement with District Assemblies, traditional authorities and national agencies.

The region is also setting up an independent PEARL Fund to manage development resources. According to the speech, the proposed fund will have its own Board of Trustees, a citizens’ oversight committee and published accounts.

Mad. Bogobiri said the region was offering investors a clear development plan, an institutional framework and a young population willing to acquire new skills.

She added that partnerships must prioritise technology transfer, local employment and environmental protection.

“We want projects that will still be running long after the ribbon is cut. We want legacy!” she said.

The regional administration has proposed a Korean business delegation visit to Bolgatanga to inspect the irrigation schemes and agro-industrial facilities and assess potential investment opportunities.

The PEARL framework is expected to guide the region’s engagement with development partners and private investors over the next decade. start with Annatu.