Volta’s China partnerships must deliver

The Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ghana opted to seek external partnerships, including with China, to boost regional development. A delegation led by officials from the House signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Chinese firms during a visit to discuss technology, construction, and investment opportunities. These agreements aim to foster technology transfer, infrastructure development, and Chinese investment in the Volta Region and Ghana.

However, it is crucial to recognize that an MoU represents a commitment to explore cooperation rather than an immediate investment. The true measure of success will lie in converting these commitments into tangible projects, employment opportunities, technological advancements, and infrastructure improvements. For instance, the agreement with Guangdong Welleap Information Technology Company should lead to practical technology transfer, training programs for young individuals, digital infrastructure development, and avenues for local businesses to engage in the digital economy.

Likewise, the construction partnership should translate into infrastructure and industrial projects that address the region's development needs. Similarly, the investment agreement should result in actual capital inflows into productive sectors rather than remaining a signed document. While the initiative by traditional authorities to attract investment is commendable, the role of regional authorities, private sector stakeholders, and government agencies is equally vital in creating an environment conducive to investor engagement.

Factors such as land availability, infrastructure, reliable electricity, digital connectivity, skilled workforce, security, regulatory certainty, and efficient public institutions should be prioritized to ensure investors find the necessary conditions to operate successfully. Moreover, the region must be clear about its expectations from these partnerships, ensuring that investment generates local value.

For instance, when introducing technology, Ghanaians should acquire the skills to utilize, maintain, and improve it. Establishing factories and businesses should create opportunities for local suppliers and workers. Furthermore, proper monitoring of these agreements is essential to ensure transparency and accountability. The public deserves updates on the commitments made, projects being developed, the scale of investment, job creation expectations, and implementation timelines.

This is particularly crucial given Ghana's history of signing agreements without resulting in completed projects. To prevent a repeat of this pattern, the House of Chiefs should collaborate closely with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, investment agencies, and the private sector to develop a clear implementation framework for the MoUs.

The government should provide the necessary institutional support while allowing the traditional authorities and private investors to fulfill their respective roles effectively. The Ghanaian Times views the China engagement as a promising beginning, but the true test of its success will be the tangible outcomes witnessed on the ground.