Rural enterprises project launched at Daboase

Daboase (W/R), Oct. 14, GNA- Ghanaians have been reminded that the Government's Rural Enterprises Project (REP) is aimed at encouraging the development of indigenous businesses at the district level. Mr. Joe Baidoe-Ansah, Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and President's Special Initiative, who gave the reminder on Friday, explained that, "this could be done consistently through the investment of capital and technological know-how for the people." The Minister was speaking at the formal launch of the Project at Daboase in the Mpohor Wassa East District of the Western Region. Mr. Baidoe-Ansah said the economic growth of the country was the responsibility and there was the need to create opportunities for rural people to make them part of the development process. He stated "There is evidence that people are making efforts to move on with their lives in spite of the everyday challenges and the only way out is to assist them to acquire skills to make them productive and independent."

Mr. Baidoe-Ansah appealed to parents to support their children who had benefited from skills training under the REP to enable them to initiate their own businesses.

Mr. Anthony E. Amoah, the Regional Minister, said the REP, which formed part of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy was initiated to ensure rapid economic growth, reduction in the levels of poverty and to equip the citizenry with entrepreneurial skills. He urged district assemblies to incorporate the activities of the REP in their development plans to ensure its sustainability. Mr. Amoah advised the Mpohor Wassa East Assembly Implementation Committee to work towards success of the project irrespective of the challenges and to judiciously utilise resources allocated to it. Mr. Edward T. Amprofi, the District Chief Executive, said the REP would stimulate the establishment and expansion of private businesses and micro enterprises.

He said it would also enhance the quality, designing and packaging of goods produced by rural micro and small enterprises.