The Upper East Regional Minister, Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has called on citizens of the Upper East diaspora to play a key role in the region’s development, urging them to support the implementation of the Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture and Regional Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework.

He made the appeal during a meeting with a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Carol Ammons, in the United States. The Minister announced plans to establish an independent governance structure to manage funds mobilised for the 10-year development blueprint, assuring stakeholders of transparency and protection from political interference.

According to him, the PEARL Framework will be financed through multiple sources, including central government allocations, the District Assemblies Common Fund, development partners, public-private partnerships, and contributions from citizens at home and abroad.

“The success of PEARL depends on sustainable financing. Every development programme requires reliable sources of funding, and we have carefully identified a range of financing options to support its implementation,” he said.

He described the Upper East diaspora as a critical development partner and urged them to invest in the future of the region, assuring them of credible systems for managing all contributions.

“We want them to invest in the future of the Upper East Region, knowing that there will be credible systems in place to manage every resource contributed,” he added.