Adopt Research and Incentives to Boost Rural Industrialization- Expert
By: Solomon Tetteh Nartey
Construction Expert and Chief Executive Officer of AWAK Company Limited, Mr. Wisdom Kwabla Attakpah, has called for extensive feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement to strengthen rural industrialization and ensure sustainable supply chains between rural producers and urban factories.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Mr. Attakpah emphasized that most rural areas in Ghana are resource-based economies, primarily focused on raw material production, while cities host the factories and plants that process these materials for local consumption and export.
He noted that this imbalance can only be addressed through improved infrastructure and deliberate government support.
“There’s a need for more feasibility studies, and most of these communities should be engaged. Improvement of infrastructure, good roads, reliable power supply, and affordable energy is crucial for these rural economies to thrive,” he said.
Mr. Attakpah further advocated for differential pricing policies and incentives for businesses operating in rural areas such as the Oti Region, arguing that their distance from major industrial centers like Accra puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
“Someone operating in the Oti Region should have certain incentives in terms of reduced pricing and other support compared to someone in Accra. This will enable them to operate at full capacity, create more jobs, and ensure a steady supply to factories in the cities,” he explained.
Citing the Cape Coast Sugarcane Factory as an example, Mr. Attakpah expressed concern over the recurring shortage of raw materials despite the area’s strong farming base.
“It bothers me that such farming communities cannot produce sugarcane up to the factory’s capacity. When you engage the rural folks, you’ll understand the challenges from inadequate access to agrochemicals to poor farming support,” he stressed.
He reiterated the importance of inclusive planning and investment in rural infrastructure to bridge the production gap and promote equitable industrial growth across the country.
Mr. Attakpah also underscored the transformative power of digitalization in bridging Ghana’s rural-urban development gap, noting that the government’s ongoing efforts to digitalize the economy are creating new opportunities for rural development and inclusion.
According to him, the use of digital tools can revolutionize agricultural practices, enabling farmers to better manage their resources and labour.
“AI can help farmers take stock of agrochemicals, monitor their activities, and even track payments to their workers. Once they are well trained and equipped, they can achieve greater efficiency without leaving their communities,” he said.
Mr. Attakpa emphasized that improved internet access and strong data connectivity in rural areas would further enhance digital inclusion, making it possible for residents to enjoy the same technological benefits as those in urban centers.
