Western Region needs stronger investment coordination to unlock economic potential — Joseph Nelson

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has called for improved coordination between government agencies responsible for investment and export promotion in order to unlock the region's economic potential. The minister emphasized that closer cooperation between the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), and the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) would ensure that investments in the region lead to meaningful job creation, increased production, and export growth.

During a visit by GEPA's CEO, Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, Nelson highlighted Ghana's reliance on imports as a key factor in the need to boost domestic production and promote exports. He identified the Western Region as a critical contributor to this goal due to its natural resources, industrial activities, and economic position.

Nelson expressed concern over inadequate information-sharing between the regional administration and investment promotion institutions. He noted that the WRCC often remained unaware of companies operating in the region, even after their registration by agencies like GIPC. This lack of coordination could hinder the region's ability to support investors and address challenges, such as disputes with host communities.

To address this issue, Nelson urged for a structured system where investment and export promotion agencies regularly share information with the WRCC and coordinate their activities. He argued that greater collaboration would prevent state institutions from working in isolation and enable them to combine their mandates and networks, ultimately strengthening the investment environment and boosting the Western Region's contribution to Ghana's export and economic development agenda.