The maiden South Tongu ‘Business and Investment Forum’ was held in Sogakope in the Volta Region last Monday, with the objective to identify lucrative strategies for unlocking the area’s economic potential.

The forum, organised by the NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for South Tongu, Maxwell Lukutor, and supported by ML Foundation, was on the theme: “Harnessing local and global partnerships for sustainable development in South Tongu.”

It focused on building strong, inclusive and productive collaborations to transform the district into a hub of innovation, business growth and social progress.

The event also sought to position South Tongu as a viable destination for investment while addressing barriers to economic growth in the area.

A large number of local entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, opinion leaders, policy makers and Diaspora representatives attended the forum which also highlighted exploring opportunities in key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, sports, education, manufacturing and real estate.

It also touched on ICT and the promotion of a favourable environment for the realisation of those goals.

The participants further discussed mobilising financial and technical support to drive community development and job creation for the youth in the district.

Attractive destination

Mr Lukutor said South Tongu was an attractive destination for investment and building business partnerships for real development outcomes.

He said local action with global standards would definitely produce the required transformations with great prospects from government and private sector collaboration, and when communities welcomed investors with a shared objective.

“Let us see agriculture not just as subsistence but agribusiness; let us see our tourism potential not untapped, but a goldmine waiting for investment; and let us prepare our youth not for migration, but for meaningful participation in modern economy powered by skills and technology,” Mr Lukutor added.

The MP said South Tongu was not looking for charity to move forward, but rather, opportunity with a firm potential, local support and leadership ready to facilitate change.

“We welcome innovation, enterprise and sustainable investment and we are ready to create the enabling environment to make that possible,” he affirmed.

Mr Lukutor entreated private sector and government agencies, as well as financial institutions to take a close look at South Tongu and start serious business with guaranteed returns.

He reminded investors from the Diaspora of their roots and urged them to bring their knowledge, capital and networks to impact on the development of their homeland.

“South Tongu is rising, the time is now, the place is here, and the people are ready,” Mr Lukutor maintained.