Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has announced an ambitious agenda to transform the region’s economy through agricultural revitalization, structured small-scale mining, and massive road infrastructure improvements.
Speaking at his first day at work in Sefwi Wiawso, Wilbert Petty Brentum emphasized the urgent need to restore Western North’s position as a leading cocoa-producing hub.
He noted that declining soil nutrients have affected agricultural output, calling for scientific research to enhance soil fertility and improve productivity.
“Western North has historically been a leading cocoa-producing region. However, we are gradually losing this status due to declining soil fertility. “ He stated.
“It is essential to conduct studies on soil health and implement strategies to restore its nutrients. Additionally, we must diversify our agricultural sector to enhance productivity and resilience.”
On small-scale mining, the minister stressed the importance of creating structured supply chains to minimize environmental damage while maximizing economic benefits.
“Small-scale mining remains a major economic activity in Ghana, including Western North. However, it has led to environmental degradation. Instead of focusing solely on mining, we should develop a structured supply chain that adds value to mining activities while protecting the environment.” He told the media.
“Training programs should be introduced to equip our youth with skills that enable them to work in different segments of the mining industry, including downstream processing.”
Infrastructure development was another key focus, with Wilbert Petty Brentum outlining plans for extensive road upgrades to improve interconnectivity and facilitate economic growth.
“We must ensure that our road networks are in the best shape to support economic growth. The interconnectivity of roads within the region, from Enchi to Bekwai and other parts, is crucial. “
“With improved infrastructure, we can enhance our supply chain, allowing farmers and traders to reach broader markets with ease,” he stated.
Additionally, the Regional Minister stressed the importance of localizing the economy by leveraging available resources within the region.
He pointed out that many essential goods are sourced from other regions when they could be produced locally if better infrastructure supported production and distribution.
“Why do we have to travel to Kumasi to buy things that we can produce here in Western North? With well-developed roads, we can encourage industrial growth, process raw materials locally, and create employment opportunities for our youth,” he added.
The minister urged collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable development in Western North, assuring residents that the government is committed to addressing their needs.
“We have the resources; we just need to harness them effectively. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous region,” he concluded.
