Canada praised for contribution to development

Accra (Greater Accra), 13th May ?99 -

Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, on Wednesday commended Canada for her assistance towards Ghana's development saying this makes "Canadians partners in our

socio-economic development."

Alhaji Mumuni said this when Madam Janet Graham, Canadian High Commissioner in Ghana, paid a courtesy call on him.

He noted that Canada's assistance programmes have come through the Canadian International Development Programme (CIDA) and urged her to assist in crucial areas that need help such as youth unemployment, poverty among women, child labour and street children.

Alhaji Mumuni said the growth rate of unemployed youth is 3.1 per cent yearly adding that every year there are about 230,000 new entrants to the labour market.

He noted that most of these people are without employable skills and they need support through training to become self-employed.

Out of the estimated 250 million children working throughout the world, 80 per cent are in Africa with 230,000 being in Ghana.

The Minister said there is the need for basic research to find out what type of training they would need so that they can contribute to nation building.

Alhaji Mumuni said the labour front is being liberalised with groups being allowed to set up their own labour unions in consonance with International Labour Conventions that recognise the right of association.

Madam Graham said the Canadian government is willing to help, particularly in rural development.