In a thought-provoking and development-focused exclusive interview with Nii Okpoti Odamtten, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister of Ghana, has shed light on the pressing challenges confronting the region and his government’s well-structured roadmap to transform the Central Region into a hub of industrial growth, educational excellence, and sustainable tourism.
Known for his calm yet decisive leadership, Hon. Eduamoah carries the weight of regional expectations with humility and precision — a man whose vision is driven by progress, people, and purpose. Speaking from his office in Cape Coast, he declared with conviction:
“The Central Region has all it takes to lead Ghana’s next phase of transformation — what we need now is discipline, coordination, and shared responsibility.”
The Central Region, despite its historic and educational significance, faces multiple socio-economic challenges that continue to affect livelihoods. The Minister candidly pointed out that youth unemployment, inadequate road infrastructure, and declining sanitation standards remain among the most urgent issues.
“Our challenge is not the lack of potential, but the absence of consistent implementation. We are now changing that narrative,” he emphasized.
Hon. Eduamoah noted that the region’s economy, anchored by education and tourism, has been slow to diversify. Many rural communities still grapple with poor access to potable water, limited healthcare infrastructure, and underdeveloped markets for agriculture and fisheries.
He added that urban centers such as Cape Coast and Elmina are also under increasing pressure from unplanned settlements and waste management deficiencies, which threaten the environmental sustainability of the region’s coastal areas.
In response to these challenges, Hon. Eduamoah outlined a four-pillar strategy aimed at revitalizing the Central Region’s socio-economic architecture:
“We are aggressively rehabilitating feeder roads and enhancing urban road networks to improve trade and accessibility. Every district must feel the pulse of development,” he noted.
The Minister revealed that ongoing partnerships with private investors and government agencies aim to establish small-scale agro-processing zones and industrial parks.
“Our focus is not just job creation, but job sustainability — we’re investing in skills and entrepreneurship for the youth.”
Recognizing the region as the cradle of Ghana’s tourism heritage, Hon. Eduamoah highlighted initiatives to modernize tourist attractions and improve hospitality standards.
“Tourism is our goldmine. We are rebranding Cape Coast and Elmina as global heritage destinations.”
The Central Region, home to some of Ghana’s finest educational institutions, continues to prioritize quality education. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to refurbishing schools, promoting technical training, and supporting teacher motivation.
“Education remains our competitive advantage — it is the strongest tool to secure our future.”
With unwavering optimism, Hon. Eduamoah described his tenure as one defined by collaboration, transparency, and impact.
“This administration believes in inclusive leadership. Development cannot succeed without the involvement of our chiefs, youth, women, and private sector actors.”
He concluded with a call to unity:
“The Central Region’s destiny is in our hands. Let us rise together, work together, and prosper together. This is the new dawn of progress for the Central Region.”
