Women processing shea butter and other local producers in Paga could benefit from new income opportunities under a proposed community development initiative seeking to attract foreign investment and expand local businesses.
Roy Page, Chief Executive Officer of Asterix Tourism Services Limited and Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), says the programme will explore ways to connect businesses in the community with investors and markets in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
Under the Villages as Businesses model, residents will be encouraged to approach their livelihoods as commercial ventures, with emphasis on value addition, business development and sustainable income.
Mr Page cited shea butter production as an example, explaining that women who process the product could benefit from arrangements that allow them to earn returns beyond the initial sale of their produce.
The initiative seeks to explore opportunities for developing value-added products and ensuring that a share of the returns flows back to the people involved in production.
It will also focus on training young people, supporting existing enterprises and identifying investment opportunities that could generate jobs and strengthen the local economy.
Mr Page said the organisers were working towards achieving tangible progress by the end of 2026, adding that the long-term objective was to help Paga build a self-sustaining economy before extending the model to other communities.
The proposed investment initiative also comes against the backdrop of local efforts to link community development with tourism and economic opportunity.
Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement and Managing Director of Kacstone Records, has supported community development initiatives and the promotion of Paga’s cultural heritage, including efforts towards the redevelopment of the Pikworo Slave Camp.
Such local initiatives could complement broader efforts to attract visitors, encourage investment and create economic opportunities for residents.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102. 7 MHz| Bolgatanga
