The Central Regional Development Commission (CEDECOM) – the development arm of the region, is repositioning the area as a preferred investment destination in Ghana.

Together with the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and House of Chiefs, it has started preparations towards hosting a novel Regional Investment Conference (RIC) to aggressively promote the region’s investment potentials.

Dr Kojo Mensah-Abrampa, the Board Chairman, said the goal was to fight poverty, create jobs and make things better for the people.

CEDECOM was focusing priority on three areas – industrialisation, entrepreneurship and investment promotion (IEI).

He announced this at a media briefing in Cape Coast.

The four-day conference would be held from Monday, May 27th to Thursday, May 30th, 2019, at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort in Elmina.

‘Positioning the Central Region as a preferred investment destination’ is the theme chosen for the event.

It would provide the opportunity for the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to market their investment potentials.

Investors would be exposed to the various government policies, incentives and local initiatives available.

Dr Mensah-Abrampa, said “the current position of the region as the fourth poorest in Ghana is debatable and undeserving of a region that could lead the pace of development in Ghana”.

That narrative should change – there was an urgent need for a paradigm shift to reverse the trend.

“This is even more unacceptable when it is clear that the region has a comparative and competitive advantage in terms of resources namely: pineapple, fish, salt, oil palm, arable lands, tourism, education and the most peaceful in Ghana.”

The Board Chairman said he was excited that the commission’s new focus tied in with the government’s vision of transforming the lives of the people.

He applauded the regional parliamentary caucus, Ministry of Trade and Industry, RCC, and the traditional authorities for their immense support.

Mr Spencer Taylor, acting Executive Director of the commission touted the region as the most peaceful, hassle-free investment destination with conducive business environment and attractive packages for investors.

“We assure prospective investors of the board’s readiness to assist them, particularly when Ghana is being acknowledged as the new frontier for trade and investment due to its peace, stability and rule of law.

“If you are searching for new investment destinations, consider Ghana and the Central Region.

“We are ready to assist you in expanding your businesses to a new location.”

He called for support and commitment of the people to help bring development to the area.