Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has urged the Bono Region to transform its cultural festivals into engines for economic growth. She made this call during the 2026 celebration of the “Meko Bono” festival in Atebubu.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang specifically highlighted festivals as crucial platforms for tourism, investment, and local economic development. She encouraged the Bono people to explore investment opportunities and share ideas to enhance job creation and reduce poverty. This approach aims to directly link cultural heritage with tangible economic benefits for communities.
This initiative aligns with Ghana's broader economic strategy to diversify revenue streams and empower local economies. The government seeks to integrate cultural assets into national development plans. Previous efforts have focused on leveraging regional strengths to support overall economic resilience and growth.
“Festival of this nature should be treated as an important platform for tourism, investment, enterprise and local economic development,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang stated. She also pledged the government’s continued engagement with chiefs and queens to advance agriculture and infrastructure development.
The Vice President's remarks signal a focus on sustainable local economic development through cultural tourism and agro-processing. Decision-makers will likely monitor the implementation of these strategies. The success of such initiatives could influence future policy directions for other regions.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also outlined specific government programmes designed to support these economic goals. She mentioned the 24-hour economy and the Feed Ghana programme. These initiatives aim to enhance agro-processing, improve transport and logistics, and add value to agricultural produce. Investments in road infrastructure are also critical components.
The Vice President explained that implementing the “Big Push” road infrastructure programme will advance economic growth. This programme connects farming communities to urban market centres. Such connectivity is vital for efficient movement of goods and services. It also supports market access for agricultural products.
These development efforts are expected to spur rapid socio-economic growth. They will also create more opportunities for the youth. The focus on agriculture and infrastructure aims to build a robust foundation for regional prosperity. This strategy supports both rural and urban economic linkages.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang was accompanied by several key officials. These included Mrs. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi, the Bono East Regional Minister, also attended. Mr. Sanja Nanja, the Member of Parliament for Atebubu Amantin constituency, was present as well. Their presence underscored the government's commitment to these regional development plans.